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LIBRARY 

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HISTORY 


MASONIC  PERSECUTIONS 


gtffmtti  ^uari^rs  of  tjjj 

WITH  AN  INTRODUCTORY  ES8A  Y  ; 

AND 

MASONIC    INSTITUTES, 

BY  VARIOUS  AUTHORS. 

WITH  AN 

INTRODUCTORY  ESSAY  AND   EXPLANATORY  NOTES. 


BY   THE 


HEY.  GEORGE  OLIVER,  D.  D., 

Author  of 

UTKE  HlSTOBIOAL  LANDMABKS,"    "  HlSTOBY  OP  INITIATION,"    "  STAB  IN  THE  EAST, 
ETC.,  ETC. 


NEW  YOEK: 
MASONIC  PUBLISHING  AND  MANUFACTURING   CO,, 

432    BROOME    STREET. 
1867. 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE. 

Introductory  Essay  on  the  Usages  and  Customs  of  Symbolical 

Masonry  in  the  Eighteenth  Century.     By  the  Editor.        .       1 


CHAPTER  I. 
A  Detection  of  Dr.  Plot's  Account  of  the  Freemasons       .        .    21 

CHAPTER  II. 
An  Apology  for  the  Free  and  Accepted  Masons        .        .        .52 

CHAPTER  III. 

An  Impartial  Examination  of  the  Act  of  the  Associate  Synod 

against  the  Freemasons          .        .        .        .        .     .        .91 

CHAPTER  IV. 

An  Account  of  the  Sufferings  of  John  Coustos  in  the  Inquisition 

at  Lisbon.     Written  by  himself 114 

CHAPTER  V. 

A  Vindication  of  Masonry  from  a  Charge  of  having  given  rise 

to  the  French  Revolution.     By  Stephen  Jones,  Esq  .         .116 

CHAPTER  VI. 

The  Misrepresentations  of  Barruel  and  Robison  exposed.     By 

W.  Preston,  Esq. 185 

CHAPTER  VII. 
Persecutions  of  Freemasonry  now  in  Operation        .        .        .  203 


THE    HISTORY 


MASONIC    PERSECUTION. 


f  UNIVERSITY  1 

X»»g*UFO*3a>^ 

MASONIC  PERSECUTION. 


INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY 

ON   THE    USAGES    AND    CUSTOMS   OF   SYMBOLICAL   MASONRY 
N    THE    EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY. 

BY  THE  EDITOR. 

"  The  Scalds  exclaim,  with  miserable  frown,1 
Masons  repair  ?  they'd  sooner  pull  it  down. 
A  set  of  ranting,  roaring,  rumbling  fellows, 
Who  meet  to  sing  old  rose  and  burn  the  bellows. 
Champagne  and  claret,  dozens  in  a  jerk, 
And  then  they  say  how  hard  they've  been  at  work. 
Next  for  the  secret  of  their  own  wise  making, 
Hiram  and  Boaz.  and  Grand  Master  Jachin ! 
Poker  and  tongs !  the  sign  !  the  word  !  the  stroke  I 
'Tis  all  a  nothing,  and  'tis  all  a  joke. 
Nonsense  on  nonsense !  let  them  storm  and  rail, 
Here's  the  whole  history  of  their  mop  and  pail ; 
For  'tis  the  sense  of  more  than  half  the  town, 
Their  secret  is — a  bottle  at  the  Crown !" 

MASONIC  PROLOGUE. 

"  You  shall  not  go  out  to  drink  by  night,  or  if  occasion  doe  happen 
that  you  must  goe,  you  shall  not  stay  till  past  eight  of  the  clock,  having 
some  of  your  fellowes,  or  one  at  the  least,  to  beare  you  witness  of  the 
honest  place  you  were  in,  and  your  good  behaviour,  to  avoid  scandall." 
—ANCIENT  CHARGES. 

"  I  wish  the  reader  to  take  notice,  that  in  writing  of  this  book,  I  have 
made  myself  a  recreation  of  a  recreation  ;  and  that  it  might  prove  so  to 
him,  and  not  read  dull  and  tediously,  I  have  in  several  places  mixed  (not 
any  scurrility,  but)  some  innocent  harmless  mirth ;  of  which,  if  thou  be 
a  severe  sour  complexioned  man,  then  I  here  disallow  thee  to  be  a  com- 
petent judge  ;  for  divines  say,  There  are  offences  given,  and  offences  not 
given,  but  taken." — IZAAK  WALTON. 

FROM  the  habits  and  usages  of  any  society  or  body  of 
men  may  be  gathered  a  tolerably  correct  idea  of  their 
relative  qualities,  and  the  tendency  such  an  association 

See  Masonic  Institutes,  p.  247. 


2  INTRODUCTORY    ESSAV. 

possesses  to  promote  the  happiness  and  prosperity  of  its 
members.  The  eighteenth  century  was  distinguished  by 
the  existence  of  numerous  local  institutions,  which  peri- 
odically congregated  together  different  classes  of  society, 
for  divers  purposes,  the  chief  of  which  appears  to  ha\ •«• 
been  the  amusement  of  a  vacant  hour,  when  the  business 
of  the  day  was  ended.  Few  of  these  ephemeral  societies 
aimed  at  a  higher  flight.  Some  met  weekly,  while  the 
members  of  others  assembled  every  evening.  Each  pro- 
fession and  calling  had  its  club,  and  in  large  towns  the 
trade  of  every  street  was  not  without  its  means  of  thus 
killing  the  evening  hour. 

Such  societies  embraced  every  class  of  persons,  from 
the  noble  to  the  beggar ;  and,  whatever  might  be  a 
man's  character  or  disposition,  In1  would  find  in  London 
a  club  that  would  square  with  his  ideas.  If  he  were  a 
tall  man,  the  tall  club  was  ready  to  receive  him  ;  if 
short,  he  would  soon  find  a  club  of  dwarfs;  if  musically 
inclined,  the  harmonic  club  was  at  hand ;  was  he  fond 
of  late  hours,  he  joined  the  owl  club;  if  of  convivial  ha- 
bits, he  would  find  a  free  and  easy  in  every  street  ;2  if 
warlike,  he  sought  out  the  lumber  troopers  ;3  if  a  buck 
of  the  first  water,  he  joined  the  club  of  choice  spirits ; 
and  if  sober  and  quiet,  the  humdrum.  If  nature  had 
favoured  him  with  a  gigantic  proboscis,  an  unsightly 

2  A  celebrated  tavern,  called  the  Coal  Hole,  was  famous  for  midnight 
gossipping.     Here  the    most  celebrated  comedians  entertained   th-ir 
private  friends  in  a  series  of  convivialities  after  they  had  delighted  the 
town.     Here,  too,  certain  painters,  poets,  sculptors,  musicians,  and  other 
ingenious  men,  who  preferred  late  hours,  a  smoky  room,  and  hilarity.  t<> 
the  sober  comforts  of  domestic  life,  wasted  the  night  in  glorious  inde- 
pendence, fearless  of  the  frowns,  and  tears,  and  curtain  lectures  which 
might  await  them  at  home. 

3  The  Lumber  Troop  is  till  in  being,  and  is  held  at  "  the  Falcon,"  Fet- 
^er  Lane.     Grant  says  that  there  have  been  many  members  of  distinction 
in  the  ancient  Lumber  Troop,  who  have,  in  most  cases,  joined  it  1'ror.  ;i 
pure  love  of  fun.     Prince  George  of  Denmark,  the  consort  of  Queen 
Anne,  was   a   Lumber   Trooper,  and  so  was   Hogarth,  the  prince  of 
humourous  painters.     In  fact  Hogarth  joined  the  Troop  with  the  view 
of  forwarding  his  professional  business.     Some  of  his  best  subjects  were 
selected  from  Troop  Hall.     John  Harrison,  of  Bell  Yard,  Temple  Bar, 
an  eccentric  personage,  who  kept  a  tobacco  shop,  and  went  to  all  the 
meetings  of  the  Troop  with  his  pockets  stuffed  with  tobacco,  which  he 
sold  in  retail  to  the  Troopers,  is  supposed  to  be  the  character  whom 
Hogarth  represents  in  his  Modern  Midnight  Conversation,  as  leaning 
oter  the  parson  when  challenged  to  drink  a  particular  toast. 


INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY.  3 

protuberance  on  his  shoulders,  or  any  other  striking 
personal  peculiarity,  he  would  have  no  difficulty  in  find- 
ing a  society  to  keep  him  in  countenance. 

One  great  characteristic  of  the  age  may  be  named — 
there  were  no  temperance  societies ;  and  the  name  of  a 
teetotaller  was  unknown.  All  these  associations  had 
one  common  purpose, — they  were  equally  addicted  to 
drinking  and  smoking,  arid  seldom  parted  sober ;  for 
their  usual  motto  was,  "Another  pot,  and  then!  What 
then?  ANOTHER!"4 

A  few  of  these  institutions,  however,  must  be  exempt- 
ed from  this  sweeping  censure.  The  kit-cat,  the  beef- 
steak, the  literary  club,  and  others,  were  frequented  by 
the  nobility  and  gentry,  and  though  they  indulged  in 
convivialities  which  would  not  be  tolerated  in  our  more 
temperate  days,5  it  would  be  too  much  to  say  that  the 
members  of  these  aristocratic  societies  never  exceeded 
the  bounds  of  decorum.  But  the  truth  and  beauty  of  a 
picture  consists  in  the  development  of  shade  as  well  as 

4  Even  in  this  state,  instances  are  on  record  where  drunkards  were  more 
sensible  than  those  who  were  sober.     The  following  anecdote  is  told  of  a 
poor  woman  who,  labouring  under  temporary  derangement,  hung  herself 
in  her  own  house.     As  soon  as  her  husband  was  aware  of  her  situation, 
he  set  off  in  search  of  a  medical  man,  leaving  his  wife  suspended  by  the 
neck,  and  giving  strict  injunction  that  she  should  not  be  meddled  with 
till  he  came  back.     In  consequence  of  the  alarm,  a  number  of  persons 
were  collected  together,  amongst  whom  was  a  man  more  than  half  seas 
over.     He  bawled  out  "  Why  don't  you  cut  the  woman  down  ?"     When 
several  females  immediately  replied,  "  You  drunken  brute,  would  you  put 
a  finger  on  her  when  her  good  man  is  gone  for  the  doctor  ?"     The  toper 
nevertheless  cut  her  down,  but  too  late  to  save  her  life. 

5  Even  Erasmus,  according  to  Fuller,   (Hist.  Cam.,   p.  87)  when  he 
resided  at  Queen's  College,  Cambridge,  often  complained  of  the  thin  pota- 
tions of  that  seminary.  "  The  ale,"  he  said,  "  was  raw,  small,  and  windy." 
Erasmus  seems  to  have  been  attached  to  good  wine,  and  to  have  been  at 
first  ill-satisfied  with  his  fare  at  Cambridge.     He  tells  his  friend  (Epist. 
viii.,  p.  16)  that  he  did  not  intend  to  remain  long  at  Queen's  College  ; 
that  he  did  not  like  the  ale,  and  the  wine  to  be  procured  there  was  not 
much  more  to  his  taste ;  and  he  ends  by  requesting  him  to  send  him  a 
cask  of  the  best  Greek  wine  that  could  be  procured  in  London.     His 
friend  procured  him  a  constant  supply ;  but  on  one  occasion,  when  Eras- 
mus had  drank  out  one  barrel  before  the  other  arrived,  as  a  bit  of  a  hint, 
he  returned  the  empty  cask,  with  a  note  to  the  following  effect :  "  1  re- 
turn your  cask,  which  I  have  kept  by  me  empty  rather  a  long  time,  that 
I  might  at  least  have  the  pleasure  of  enjoying  the  smell  of  Greek  wine." 
Fuller  further  certifies  that  in  his  own  time  the  scholars  had  the  same 
complaint,  and  he  assigns  this  reason  for  it, — "  the  brewers,  having  pre- 
scription on  their  side  for  a  long  time,  little  amended  it." 

1* 


4  INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY. 

light  and  colouring;  as  in  the  Roman  paintings,  the 
vices  were  placed  beside  the  virtues,  that  the  latter 
might  appear  more  brilliant  by  the  contrast;  and  there- 
fore it  must  be  admitted  that,  like  the  frequenters  of  the 
lower  clubs,  they  would  sometimes  extend  their  pota- 
tions to  a  point  which  made  them  rather  unsteady  in 
their  movements  ;6  yet,  as  this  was  an  exception  to  a 
rule,  it  became  a  source  rather  of  merriment  and  good- 
humoured  raillery,  than  of  regret ;  although  Prior  says  : 

'Twos  rage,  'twas  noise  ; 

An  airy  scene  of  transitory  joys; 

To  the  late  revel  and  protracted  feast, 

Wild  dreams  succeeded,  and  disordered  rest." 7 

c  "  What  would  our  fastidious  teetotallers  say  to  the  following  eulogiura 
on  brandy  by  a  reverend  prelate-  -Theoricus  Episcopus  Hermen< 
Roman ula  ju'xhi  Hononiain?  He  recommends  it  to  be  taken  before  meat 
BS  well  as  after,  because  it  *•  sloweth  age,  it  strengtheneth  youth,  it 
helpeth  digestion,  it  cutteth  phlegm,  it  abandoneth  melancholy,  it  relish- 
eth  the  heart,  it  lightened)  the  mind,  it  quickeneth  the  spirits,  it  cureth 
the  hydropsy,  it  healeth  the  strangulary,  it  pouuceth  the  stone,  it  ex- 
pelleth  gravel,  it  pulleth  away  all  ventosity,  it  keepeth  and  preserveth  the 
head  from  whirling,  the  eyes  from  dazzling,  the  tongue  from  lisping,  the 
mouth  from  mattling,  the  teeth  from  chattering,  and  the  throat  from 
rattling:  it  keepeth  the  weason  from  stilling,  the  stomach  from  wam- 
bling, and  the  heart  from  swelling  ;  the  belly  from  wirtching,  the  guts 
from  rumbling,  the  hands  from  shivering,  the  veins  from  crampling,  the 
bones  from  aching,  and  the  marrow  from  soking." 

7  The  grave  Dr.  Johnson  was  a  club  man,  but  he  studiously  avoided  a 
personal  exposure.  He  said,  "  when  I  drink  wine,  I  scorn  to  drink  it 
when  in  company.  I  have  drunk  many  a  bottle  by  myself;  in  the  first 
place,  because  I  had  need  of  it  to  raise  my  spirits;  in  the  second  place, 
because  I  would  have  nobody  to  witness  its  effects  upon  me.''  (Boswell, 
vol.  iii.,  p.  39,  Ed.  1820.)  Boswell,  however,  tells  us  that  at  an  earlier 
period  he  was  a  gourmand,  and  sometimes  drank  a  bottle  of  port  after 
supper  at  the  Mitre.  "  We  had  a  good  supper/'  says  he,  "  and  port  wine, 
of  which  he  then  drank  a  bottle."  (Ibid,  vol.  i.,  p.  396.)  Indeed,  John- 
son himself  was  heard  to  say,  "  some  people  have  a  foolish  way  of  not 
minding,  or  not  pretending  to  mind  what  they  eat.  For  my^part,  I  mind 
my  belly  very  studiously,  and  very  carefully ;  for  I  look  upon  it,  that  ho 
who  does  not  mind  his  belly  will  hardly  mind  anything  else."  '•  1  never 
knew,"  adds  Boswell,  "  any  man  who  relished  good  eating  more  than  he 
did.  When  at  table  he  was  totally  absorbed  in  the  business  of  the  mo- 
ment ;  his  looks  seemed  riveted  to  his  plate  ;  nor  would  he  sav  one  word. 
or  even  pay  the  least  attention  to  what  was  said  by  others,  till  he  had 
satisfied  his  appetite ;  which  was  so  fierce,  and  indulged  with  such  in- 
tenseness,  that,  while  in  the  act  of  eating,  the  veins  of  his  forehead 
swelled,  and  generally  a  stong  perspiration  was  visible ;  for  Johnson, 
though  he  could  be  abstemious,  was  not  a  temperate  man  either  in  eating 
or  drinking."  (Ibid,  vol.  i.,  p.  464.) 


INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY.  6 

But  in  that  age  Bacchus  was  the  lord  of  the  ascend- 
ant, and  all  classes  of  society  were  but  too  happy  to 
offer  sacrifice  to  him.  In  my  younger  days  I  have  been 
witness  to  many  illustrations  of  this  propensity,  which, 
I  may  also  add,  so  far  from  being  esteemed  disgraceful, 
were  considered  meritorious,  and  he  who  could  swallow 
the  greatest  quantity  of  wine  was  esteemed  the  most 
delectable  companion,  particularly  if  his  bibulous  supe- 
riority were  accompanied  with  that  universal  letter  of 
recommendation,  the  capacity  to  sing  a  good  song. 

There  was,  however,  one  society  in  that  period, 
which,  if  it  divl  indulge  its  members  with  the  enjoyment 
of  decent  refreshment,  had  a  standing  law  which  pro- 
vided against  all  excess;  declaring  that  "they  ought  to 
be  moral  men,  good  husbands,  good  parents,  good  sons, 
and  good  neighbours;  not  staying  too  long  from  home, 
and  avoiding  all  excess."  This  society  was  Freemasonry  ; 
the  exclusive  character  of  which  excited  the  envy  of  all 
other  periodical  assemblies  of  convivial  men  ;  and  pro- 
duced a  series  of  objections,  which  have  been  embodied 
in  the  Motto  to  this  Essay,  which  forms  part  of  a  pro- 
logue written  in  the  year  1765.  Freemasonry  was  said 
by  these  captious  individuals  to  be  a  mere  convivial 
society  ;8  and  the  existing  clubs  and  coteries  which 
embraced  the  common  design  of  mutual  entertainment 
by  the  song,  the  toast,  the  merry  tale,  and  the  cheerful 
glass,  without  any  pretensions  of  a  superior  character, 

8  We  will  give  the  defamer  every  latitude  he  desires,  and  for  a  moment 
admit  that  Masons  did  enjoy  themselves  at  their  public  festivals.  Were 
they  alone  in  the  practice  of  good  living  ?  Read  the  following  document, 
which  is  a  detail  of  the  provisions  that  were  consumed  at  a  single  epis- 
copal dinner,  holden  at  York  in  the  sixth  year  of  Edward  IV.,  and  say 
no  more  that  Masons  were  either  gourmands  or  drunkards.  It  included 
300  quarters  of  wheat,  300  tuns  of  ale,  100  tuns  of  wine,  a  pipe  of  hipo- 
cras,  104  oxen,  6  wild  bulls,  1000  sheep,  304  calves,  as  many  porks,  400 
swans,  2000  geese,  1000  capons,  2000  pigs,  400  plovers,  100  dozen 
quails,  200  dozen  ruff's  and  rees,  104  peacocks,  4000  mallards,  200  cranes, 
200  kids,  2000  chickens,  4000  pigeons,  4000  rabbits,  200  bitterns,  400 
herons,  200  pheasants,  500  partridges,  400  woodcocks,  100  curlieus, 
1000  egrittes,  500  bucks  and  more,  4000  cold  venison  pasties,  1500  hot 
venison  pasties,  1000  parted  dishes  of  jelly,  3000  plain  ditto,  4000  tarts, 
3000  cold  custards,  2000  hot  custards,  GOO  pikes,  800  breams,  12  por- 
poises and  seals  ;  with  salmon,  sturgeon,  whitings,  eels,  mackerel,  barbels, 
trouts,  lampreys,  turbot,  brill,  ling,  tench,  crabs,  lobsters,  &c.,  &c.,  in 
unnumbered  abundance ;  and  spices,  sugared  delicacies,  and  wafers, 
"plentie."  (See  Leland's  Collect,  vol.  vi.,  p.  2.) 


INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY. 


were  piqued  and  annoyed  at  the  assumption  of  superior 
privileges  which  distinguished  the  masonic  fraternity  ; 
and  therefore  they  vented  their  indignation  and  spleen 
by  ridicule  and  contumely.9  It  cannot  be  supposed 
that  the  above  charges  were  invented  by  the  Mason 
who  wrote  the  lines.  The  passage  was  merely  intro- 
duced into  the  prologue  to  show  how  perfectly  ridicu- 
lous and  unfounded  they  were,  and  how  much  they 
were  despised  by  the  fraternity  at  large.  The  opinions 
existed  notwithstanding  in  all  their  force,  and  their  ope- 
ration was  boundless  amongst  those  who  were  deter- 
mined to  use  every  effort  to  cry  the  institution  down. 

But  the  members  of  our  sacred  order  met  together  for 
other  purposes  than  those  of  conviviality,  although 
moderates  refreshment  was  not  denied  at  the  termination 
of  the  grave  labours  of  the  lodge,  when  the  brethren 
responded  to  a  call  from  the  south.  The  objects  which 
were  avowedly  pursued  in  the  lodge,  were  the  study 
and  investigation  of  science  ;  mutually  communicating 
lessons  of  morality,  and  practising  the  exercise  of  bro- 
therly love,  that  the  fabled  reign  of  Astraea  might  be 
restored,  and  truth  and  justice  prevail  in  the  lodge,  and 
from  thence  be  extended  to  society  in  general. 


-Nee  verba  minacia  fixo 


JEre  legebantur  ;  nee  supplex  turba  timebant 
Judicis  ora  sui ;  sed  crant  sine  judice  tuti." — OVID. 

The  world  gave  Freemasonry  credit  for  some  other 
usages,  of  which  the  Brethren  were  perfectly  innocent ; 
but  they  were  too  gross  to  excite  even  a  momentary 
annoyance.  They  were  charged  with  the  practice  of 
forbidden  arts;  as,  for  instance,  "raising  the  devil  in  a 
circle  ;"]0  although  the  use  they  made  of  his  infernal 
majesty  does  not  appear ;  but  from  hints  scattered 
about  in  other  places  we  may  surmise  that  it  was  for 
the  purposes  of  divination,  the  discovery  of  hidden  trea- 
sures, and  other  illegal  designs,  which  were  more  openly 
avowed  in  the  innovations  of  continental  Masonry.  We 
find  mention  made  of  "  a  red  hot  poker"  being  used  to 
inflict  an  indelible  mark  of  initiation  on  the  unfortunate 

'*  See  Masonic  Institutes,  p.  8. 

10  See  Euclid's  letter  in  Anderson's  Const.     Ed.  1738,  p.  227. 


INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY.  7 

candidate, —  '  the  shirt  of  an  apprentice,"  and  some 
other  absurdities,  which  it  will  be  unnecessary  to 
name,11  because  there  are  no  persons  at  the  present  day 
so  weak  as  to  believe  that  we  practise  magic,  divination, 
or  alchymy,  at  our  private  meetings;12  although  the 
charge  was  revived  in  1824  by  a  writer  in  the  London 
Magazine,  who  contends  that  the  Rosicrucians  and  the 
Freemasons  are  one  and  the  same  body ;  that  the  former 
being  "  alchymists,  cabalists.  and  dealers  in  the  black 
art,"  it  was  evidently  intended  to  be  understood  that 
the  Freemasons  of  the  present  day  use  the  same  delu- 
sive practices. 

These  absurd  charges,  however,  were  widely  dissemi- 
nated and  implicitly  believed  in  the  eighteenth  century, 
and  several  books  were  written  to  prove  their  truth.13 
And  one  enthusiastic  anti-mason  went  so  far  as  to  intro- 
duce them  into  a  sermon,  which  he  published,  under  the 
forbidding  title  of  "  Masonry  the  way  to  Hell ;  a  sermon 
wherein  is  clearly  proved,  both  from  reason  and  from 


"Scots'  Mag.  1755,  p.  133. 

12  These  practices  in  the  eighteenth  century  do  not  appear  to  have  been 
considered  disreputable.     Weishaupt,  the  founder  of  llluminism,  boasts 
of  them  as  so  many  proofs  of  his  virtuous  character.     He  says  :  "  I  have 
gone  through    the   whole  circle  of  human  enquiry.     I  have  exorcised 
spirits,  raised  ghosts,  discovered  treasures,  interrogated  the  cabala — hatte 
Loto  gespielt — 1  have  never  transmuted  metals.     The  tenor  of  my  life  has 
been  the  opposite  of  everything  that  is  vile  ;  and  no  man  can" lay  any- 
thing to  my  charge." 

13  The  author  of  the  Freemasons'  Lexicon,  however,  asserts  that  on  the 
Continent,  until  the  year  1780,  there  were  to  be  found,  here  and  there, 
Freemasons'  lodges,  in  which  alchymy  was  practised.     Although  it  never 
formed  any  part  of  the  science,  yet  there  were  a  few  men  to  be  found, 
and  amongst  them  Freemasons,  who  employed  themselves  as  alchymists  ; 
who,  if  they  could  not  make  gold  in  the  crucible,  knew  how  to  make  it, 
in  considerable  quantities,  out  of  their  credulous  dupes.     A  Freemason 
is  directed  to  study  the  wonderful  and  stupendous  works  of  nature  ;  not 
that  he  may  be  enabled  to  make  gold,  but  that  he  may  prepare  himself, 
by  comparing  the  beautiful  effects    produced  by  apparently  the  most 
simple  means  in  the  hands  of  nature,  to  duly  reverence,  worship,  and 
adore  nature's  God.     Notwithstanding  the  rapid  strides  towards  perfec- 
tion which  modern  chemistry  has  made,  it  is  yet  far  from  being  able  to 
trace  the  manner  in  which  nature  composes  the  various  metals,  to  trace 
their  growth  and  their  produce,  until  they  are  converted  into  gold  or 
silver,  and  thus  to  be  able  to  imitate  the  process.     The  labours  of  the 
alchymist  are  therefore  nothing  but  a  blind  groping  in  utter  darkness ; 
and  he  is  entangled  in  a  labyrinth  of  ignorance,  delusion,  and  deception, 
from  which  he  does  not  know  how  to  extricate  himself. 


8  INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY. 

scripture,  that  all  who  profess  the  mysteries  are  in  a 
state  of  damnation."  Such  assertions,  how  wild  and 
unreasonable  soever  they  may  now  appear,  found  believ- 
ers, and  would  constitute  a  powerful  obstacle  to  prevent 
Freemasonry  from  being  considered  the  instrument  of 
unalloyed  good. 

Any  trifling  irregularities  amongst  the  Brethren  would 
tend  to  give  effect  to  the  defamatory  reports  which  were 
circulated  against  the  institution;  for  if  individuals 
could  be  found  who  could  indulge  in  excesses  foreign  to 
their  masonic  duty  in  the  lodge,  they  wrould  not  pay 
very  great  respect  to  it  beyond  the  walls ;  and  hence 
the  most  injurious  surmises  would  find  confirmation  in 
the  indiscretions  of  these  semi-masons.  If  they  slighted 
that  ancient  charge  which  directed  them  to  be  "  cautious 
in  their  words,  carriage,  and  motions,  that  the  most 
penetrating  stranger  may  not  be  able  to  discover  what 
is  not  proper  to  be  intimated;"14  in  particular  circles 
Masonry  would  become,  as  we  know  it  very  frequently 
did,  a  by-word  and  a  reproach.  We  will  examine  how 
far  the  Masonry  of  that  day  deserved  such  a  stigma. 

The  lodge  was  designated  as  "a  place  where  Masons 
meet  to  work."  Hence  the  assembly  or  duly  organized 
body  of  Masons  is  called  a  lodge;  just  as  the  word 
church  is  expressive  both  of  the  congregation  and  of  the 
place  of  worship."15  The  first  lodge  lesson,  therefore, 
which  was  taught  applied  to  "  God  and  religion,"  that 
the  Brethren  might  never  for  a  moment  forget  that  the 
masonic  society  did  not  tolerate  atheism  or  infidelity, 
but  expected  that  its  members,  as  Christians,  would 
comply  with  the  usages  of  the  Christian  church,  as 
established  in  this  country.16  But  no  disquisitions  were 
allowed  to  be  introduced  respecting  peculiar  opinions  cu 
forms  of  worship;  because  Freemasonry,  being  a  cosmo- 
political  order,  and  including  Jews  and  Mahometans  as 
well  as  Christians,  the  Brethren  were  charged  "  to  adhere 
to  that  religion  in  which  all  men  agree,  leaving  each 
Brother  to  his  own  particular  opinions." 

14  Anderson's  Const,  p.  148,' Ed.  1738. 

16  Anderson's  Const,  p.  144,  Ed.  1738. 

16  •'  In  ancient  times  the  Christian  Masons  were  charged  to  comply 
with  the  Christian  usages  of  each  country  where  they  travelled  or 
worked."  (Ancient  Charge  i.,  approved  by  Orand  Lodge  in  1722.) 


INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY.  9 

The  term  G.  A.  O.  T.  U.  is  used  amongst  Masons  for 
this  great  and  glorious  Being,  designated  by  the  letter  G., 
that  it  may  be  applied  by  every  Brother  to  the  object  of 
his  adoration  ;  for  none  can  be  admitted  into  the  order 
of  Freemasonry  who  do  not  acknowledge,  as  their  sole 
trust  and  stay,  one  supreme  Deity,  the  Creator  of  heaven 
and  earth.  The  Jew  and  the  Mahometan,  therefore, 
apply  T.  G.  A.  O.  T.  U.  to  God  the  Creator,  as  worship- 
ped in  their  respective  systems  of  religion  ;  but  the 
English  Masons  of  the  last  century,  lest  any  mistake 
should  arise  amongst  the  Brethren  on  this  important 
point,  explained  the  title  to  mean  "  Him  that  was  taken 
up  to  the  topmost  pinnacle  of  the  temple."17  or  Jesus 
Christ,  the  divine  author  of  the  Christian  religion,  in 
conformity  with  the  doctrine  of  St.  Paul,  and  other 
apostles  of  Christianity.18 

After  inculcating  that  it  is  the  business  of  a  Mason  to 
perform  punctually  his  duty  to  God,  "  never  mentioning 
His  name  but  with  the  reverential  awe  which  becomes 
a  creature  to  bear  to  his  Creator,  and  to  look  upon  him 
always  as  the  summum  bonum  which  we  came  into  the 
world  to  enjoy  ;"19  the  Brethren  were  taught  their  duty 
to  their  neighbour  and  themselves ;  and  then  it  was 
impressed  upon  them  that  "  a  Mason  is  a  peaceable  sub- 
ject, and  never  to  be  concerned  in  plots  against  the 
state,  nor  disrespectful  to  the  inferior  magistrates."20 
But  these  recommendations  were  not  to  be  considered 
as  an  excuse  for  the  introduction  of  political  disquisi- 
tions, which  were  absolutely  prohibited.  Thus  the  old 
Gothic  constitutions  provided  that  "  no  quarrels  about 
nations,  families,  religions,  or  politics,  must  be  brought 
within  the  door  of  the  lodge ;  for,  as  Masons  we  are  of 
the  oldest  Catholic  religion,  and  of  all  nations  upon  the 
square,  level  and  plumb  ;  and  like  our  predecessors,  in 
all  ages,  we  are  resolved  against  political  disputes,  as 
contrary  to  the  peace  and  welfare  of  the  lodge."21  And 
in  the  method  of  opening  the  lodge,  as  used  at  that 
period,  it  was  distinctly  proclaimed  that  "  all  religious 

17  The  ancient  Lectures. 

18 1  Cor.  viii.  6.     Ephes.  iii.  9.     Col.  i.  16.     Hub.  i.  10.     2  Pet.  iii.  6 
See  also  Prov.  viii.  12  to  26.     John  i.  3. 
19  From  a  Charge  used  before  1730. 
30  Ancient  Charges,  ii.  22  Ancient  Charges,  vi. 


.10  INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY. 

and  political   disputes  were  forbidden    under   a   heavy 
penalty."     It  would  be  well  if  this  form  were  restored. 

A  candidate  for  initiation  was  required  to  be  "  free- 
born,  or  no  bondman,  of  mature  age,  and  of  good  report, 
hale  and  sound,  not  deformed  or  dismembered  at  the 
time  of  his  making.  But  no  woman,  no  eunuch  ;  the 
son  of  honest  parents,  a  perfect  youth,  without  maim  <>r 
defect  in  his  body,  and  capable  of  learning  the  mysteries 
of  the  art."22  And  it  was  further  provided  by  the  then 
existing  laws,  that  no  one  should  be  admitted  under  the 
age  of  twenty-five  years,23  except  he  be  a  Lewis  ;24  nor 
without  the  unanimous  consent  of  all  the  members  of 
that  lodge  then  present  when  the  candidate  is  proposal 
and  when  their  consent  is  formally  asked  by  the  Mas- 
ter.25 In  those  times  the  balloting  box  was  unknown, 
for  the  decision  was  expected  to  be  unanimous.  It  WMS 
provided  by  the  primitive  regulations  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  in  1717,  that  the  Brethren  should  give  their  con- 
sent "  in  their  own  prudent  way,  either  virtually  or  in 
form,  but  with  unanimity.  Nor  is  this  inherent  privi- 


22  Ancient  Charges,  Hi.  iv. 

33  By  the  laws  of  Prussia,  says  the  author  of  the  Freemasons'  Lexicon, 
no  native  of  that  country  can  be  initiated  under  twenty-five  years  of 
age,  even  at  the  present  day;  and  the  lodges  are  allowed  to  make  no  rx- 
ceptions  to  this  rule,  except  to  travellers  from  foreign  countries.  The 
lodges  in  other  nations,  which  are  held  under  warrants  from  the  three 
Prussian  Grand  Lodge?,  are  not  bound  by  this  law  ;  but  should  a  young 
Prussian  be  initiated  abroad,  and  return  to  his  native  country  before  lie 
has  attained  his  twenty-h'th  year,  he  is  not  permitted  to  visit  a  lodge  until 
that  age  is  fully  completed. 

24  The  masonic  explanation  of  this  term  is  equally  simple  and  pleasing. 
It  was  given  to  the  son  of  a  Master  Mason,  and  placed  amongst  our 
emblems  about  the  middle  of  the  last  century.  In  operative  architecture 
it  Is  an  instrument  used  to  support  heavy  s'tones  which  are  to  be  raised 
to  the  highest  parts  of  a  building.  Ju  like  manner,  when  a  Master 
Mason  passes  into  the  vale  of  years,  and  becomes  incapable  of  active 
exertion,  he  is  supported,  succoured,  and  nourished  by  his  son,  the  Lewis, 
who  is  able  and  willing  to  bear,  in  his  father's  stead,  the  burden  and 
heat  of  the  day. 

26  Old  regulations,  Article  6.  On  the  Continent  the  candidate  under- 
went many  strict  examinations,  which  are  dispensed  with  in  this  countrv. 
Ces  epreuves  seront  toujours  terminees  par  celles  de  Veau,  du  feu,  du 
calice  amer,  &c. ;  accompagnees  duplications  courtes  et  lumineuses  qui 
iLmontrent  aux  Recipient  .*.  que  nous  ne  faisons  rien  que  de  conforme 
aux  ceremonies  de  tous  les  peuplcs,  &c.,  &c.,  vous  concluerez  de  laqu'un 
home  sans  instruction,  sans  capacite.  et  sans  bonnes  qualites,  ne  sera 
point  re9u  Mac.-. 


INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY.  11 

lege  subject  to  it  dispensation ;  because  the  members  of 
a  particular  lodge  are  the  best  judges  of  it ;  and  because 
if  a  turbulent  member  should  be  imposed  on  them,  it 
might  spoil  the  harmony  or  hinder  the  freedom  of  their 
communication,  or  even  break  and  disperse  the  lodge, 
which  ought  to  be  avoided  by  all  true  and  faithful  Bro- 
thers." 

On  this  subject  Noorthouck  has  some  judicious  re- 
marks, which  1  subjoin,  in  illustration  of  this  important 
subject.  "  There  is  no  violation  of  truth  in  affirming 
that,  in  London  especially  (A.  D.  1784),  propositions  for 
initiation  into  Masonry  are  often  too  easily,  if  not  too 
eagerly  received  on  the  bare  general  recommendation 
of  the  proposer,  and  payment  of  the  customary  fees. 
But  if  character  and  circumstances  were  cautiously 
weighed  in  the  qualification  of  candidates,  though  the 
society  might  not  be  quite  so  numerous,  the  members  of 
it  would  in  proportion  be  more  respectable,  both  as  men 
and  as  Masons.  Charity  is  a  leading  feature  in  the 
masonic  character ;  we  deem  ourselves  bound  to  assist  a 
distressed  brother  to  the  utmost  of  our  power;  but 
surely  this  humane  obligation  does  not  extend  to  receiv- 
ing men  amongst  us  whose  imprudence  and  precarious 
circumstances  obviously  tend  to  reduce  them  to  be  ob- 
jects of  charity.  Nothing  is  more  common  than  for 
giddy  young  men,  just  entering  into  life,  to  join  the 
society  with  the  mere  sinister  view  of  extending  their 
connections.  Such  men  dissipate  their  time,  money,  and 
attention,  in  running  about  from  one  lodge  to  another, 
where  they  rather  aim  to  distinguish  themselves  in  the 
licentious  character  of  jolly  companions,  than  in  the 
more  discreet  one  of  steady  good  Masons ;  and,  finally, 
close  their  masonic  career  by  loading  the  table  in  the 
committee-room  with  petitions  for  charity.  The  number 
of  these  applications  reduces  our  benefactions  to  such 
scanty  portions,  that  instead  of  being  of  effectual  service 
in  extricating  men  from  the  occasional  difficulties  of  life, 
they  seldom  exceed  instant  supply  of  pressing  necessities, 
without  reaching  the  cause  of  those  necessities  ;  whereas 
were  the  brethren  more  select,  fewer  distresses  would 
come  before  them,  those  which  did  come  would  be  de- 
serving of  relief,  and  might  obtain  it  with  a  liberal  hand. 

"  Once  more ;  the  fraternity  of  Masons  being  every- 


12  INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY. 

where  distinguished  by  the  kind  reception  and  friendly 
assistance  of  strange  brethren  on  their  journeys,  or  on 
their  arrival  to  settle  among  them,  gives  rise  to  another 
abuse,  teeming  with  evil  effects.  A  man  on  the  point 
of  removing  to  a  distant  country,  recollects  that  the  cer- 
tificate of  being  a  Mason  will  be  a  convenient  general 
letter  of  recommendation  ;  he  accordingly  gets  himself 
proposed,  through  a  second,  third,  or  fourth  hand,  and 
must  be  hurried  through  all  the  degrees  in  one  evening, 
because  he  is  to  set  off  early  in  the  morning.  Thus,  by 
trusting  to  a  vague  recommendation,  a  lodge  prostitutes 
the  institution  for  a  paltry  fee ;  vests  an  utter  stranger 
with  a  character  he  knows  nothing  of,  and  furnishes  him 
with  a  credential,  empowering  him,  should  he  be  basely 
disposed,  to  abuse  the  generous  confidence  of  the  breth- 
ren whereever  he  goes,  to  the  injury  of  worthy  men 
who  may  afterwards  travel  the  same  road.  Such  hasty 
compliances  with  interested  views,  ought  not,  therefore, 
to  be  heedlessly  countenanced."26 

The  candidate,  at  his  initiation,  was  expected  "  de- 
cently to  clothe  the  lodge,"  which  appears  to  have  in- 
cluded not  only  new  aprons  and  gloves,  but  also  the 
necessary  and  usual  refreshment.27  The  proper  clothing 
of  the  brethren  at  that  period  was  a  plain  white  apron 
and  gloves,28  and  the  jewels  were  suspended  from  white 

36  Const.  1784,  p.  393. 

27  In  an  old  Minute  Book,  belonging  to  the  Witham  Lodge  at  Lincoln, 
we  find,  under  date  2d  of  January,  1732,  a  minute  of  this  custom.     "  It 
was  proposed  by  our  R.  W.  Master,  that  Sir  Christopher  Hales,  Bart.,  l>o 
voted  a  member  of  this  society,  who,  being  well  recommended,  the  same 
was  agreed  to,  on  Bro.  Thomas  Becke  undertaking  to  pay  the  usual  sum 
of  five  guineas  for  and  on  behalf  of  our  said  Brother  elect.     And  in  re- 
gard that  our  R.  W.  M.  was  going  to  London,  in  a  lew   days,  it   wus 
agreed  that  William  Carter,  Esq.,  together  with  the  said  .Sir  Christopher 
Hales,  should  be  initiated  the  same  evening  ;  which  was  done  accordingly 
with  due  solemnity,  when  our  R.  W.  M.  gave  an  elegant  charge  :  and  in 
respect  to  our  new  Brother  it  was  further  agreed  to  clothe  and  entertain 
the  lodge.     Paid  for  gloves  and  aprons.  21.  17s.;  expended  2/.  3s.  Id." 

28  The  Masons  on  the  Continent  of  Europe  had  a  custom  to  give  the 
candidate,  at  his  initiation,  a  pair  of  lady's  gloves,  with  the  command  to 
present  them  to  his  wife,  or  to  any  lady  whom  he  tfiay  be  desirous  of 
espousing.     The  gloves  are  white,  not  only  to  show  the  purity  of  our 
respect  and  love  for  the  female  sex,  but  to  serve  also  as  an  inducement 
to  the  wife  or  betrothed  of  a  Freemason  to  act  with  circumspection  in 
her  journey  through  life.     It  is  considered  that  these  initiation  gloves  are 
an  apt  and  important  present  for  a  young  man  to  make  to  his  bride  on  the 


INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY.  18 

ribbons.  The  officers  of  the  Grand  Lodge  did  not  deviate 
from  this  primitive  practice  till  the  year  1731,  when  it 
was  considered  decorous  for  the  Grand  Officers  to  be 
distinguished  by  some  token  from  which  their  dignity 
might  be  easily  recognize^.  It  appears,  also,  that  some 
of  the  brethren  had  introduced  decorations  that  were 
unsanctioned  by  the  laws,  and,  therefore,  it  was  ordered 
by  the  Grand  Lodge,  March  17,  1731,  that,  "to  cure 
some  irregularities,  none  but  the  Grand  Master,  his 
Deputy  and  Wardens  (who  are  the  only  Grand  Officers), 
shall  wear  their  jewels  in  gokl  pendant  to  blue  ribbons 
about  their  necks,  and  white  leather  aprons  with  blue 
silk ;  which  sort  of  aprons  may  be  also  worn  by  former 
Grand  Officers.  Masters  and  Wardens  of  particular 
lodges  may  line  their  white  leather  aprons  with  white 
silk,  and  may  hang  their  jewel  to  white  ribbons  about 
their  necks."29  From  the  above  regulation  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  probably  originated  the  name  of  Blue,  as  applied 
to  symbolical  Masonry.  Blue  is  the  colour  of  truth  or 
fidelity  ;  and  it  is  a  remarkable  fact  that  no  brother  has 
ever  doubted  the  genuineness  or  antiquity  of  the  three 
blue  degrees ;  while  the  supplementary  degrees  are  most 
of  them  of  modern  construction.  This  colour  is  justly 
prized  amongst  Freemasons ;  for  the  more  they  are 
clothed  in  the  mantle  of  truth,  the  greater  will  be  their 
progress  in  real  knowledge.  Azure  and  gold  are  orna- 
ments of  the  greatest  value.  The  unchangeable  heavens 
are  blue  or  azure,  and  their  golden  ornaments  are  the 
sun,  the  moon,  arid  the  stars.30 

The  above  clothing  continued  to  be  used  by  the  con- 
stitutional Masons  till  the  beginning  of  the  present  cen- 
tury ;  and  the  first  lodge  over  which  the  writer  of  this 
Essay  presided,  in  1810,  had  its  jewels  suspended  from 
white  ribbons,  and  the  Brethren  were  clothed  in  urideco- 
rated  aprons.  The  section  called  ancient  Masons  departed 
from  this  primitive  custom  earlier,  and  introduced  blue 
ribbons  with  chains  of  silver,  and  aprons  decorated  with 
masonic  devices  painted  on  the  leather,  and  blue  edgings 

wedding  day,  and  they  ought  to  be  prized  by  her  as  a  most  valuable 
ornament. 

89  Minutes  of  Grand  Lodge,  17th  March,  1731. 

30  Freemasons'  Lexicon — Blau. 


14  INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY. 

and  fringes,  before  the  conclusion  of  the  last  century.31 
After  the  Union,  in  1813,  the  clothing,  insignia,  and 
decorations,  which  are  now  used,  were  enjoined  by  au- 
thority, for  the  purpose  of  "  establishing  perfect  uni- 
formity throughout  the  whole  craft." 

The  labour  of  the  Lodge  at  that  period  may  be  somr- 
\vhat  difficult  to  describe.  It  could  not  be  exclusively 
confined  to  a  repetition  of  the  masonic  catechism,  be- 
cause that  was  too  brief  and  technical  to  be  permanently 
interesting;  for  the  questions  appertaining  to  the  Master's 
part  were  only  seven  in  number.  A  reverend  Brother  <>t 
the  last  century  says,  that  the  labour  of  Masonry  com- 
prehended the  whole  circle  of  arts  and  sciences.  He  adds 
that  "Freemasonry  has  been  the  depot  of  learning  in  till 
former  ages,  and  a  focus  combining  every  ray  of  genius 
in  all  climes  of  the  earth.  In  foreign  countries  a  lodge 
is  styled  an  academy,  and  Masonry  is  considered  as 
synonymous  to  Geometry,  the  science  relating  to  the 
measurement  of  the  earth,  and  emphatically  referring  to 
its  creation  ;  a  liberal,  or  Freemason,  signifying  a  friend 
and  admirer,  or  a  professor  of  the  liberal  sciences." 

The  Ahiman  Rezon  says,  that  masonic  labour  consisted 
in  the  study  of  geometry ;  but  an  ancient  MS.,  formerly 
in  the  Bodleian  library  at  Oxford,  the  original  of  which 
is  said  to  be  in  the  handwriting  of  King  Henry  VI.,  ex- 
tends these  studies  to  "  agriculture,  architecture,  astro- 
nomy, geometry,  numbers,  music,  poetry,  chemistry, 
government,  and  religion."  In  another  place  Masonry 
is  defined  to  be  "the  skylleof  nature,  the  understondynge 
of  the  myghte  that  ys  hereynne,  and  its  sondrye  werck- 
ynges  ;  sonderlyche,  the  sky  lie  of  rectenyngs,  of  waightes 
and  metynges,  and  the  treu  manere  of  fa§onnynge  all 

31 1  once  visited  an  ancient  lodge,  and  found  the  officers  and  brethren 
clothed  in  aprons  variously  diversified,  according  to  the  taste  of  the  wearer. 
and  consequently  there  was  no  uniformity — there  were  not  two  alike ; 
although  they  had  a  law,  which  passed  their  Grand  Lodge  in  1772, 
stating  that  "  it  having  been  represented  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  that  several 
brethren  had  lately  appeared  in  public  with  gold  lace  and  fringe,  to- 
gether with  many  devices  on  their  aprons,  &c.,  which  was  thought 
inconsistent  with  the  dignity,  propriety,  and  ancient  custom  of  the  craft 
— It  was  Resolved  and  Ordered,  that  for  the  future  no  Brethren,  Grand 
Officers  excepted,  shall  appear  with  gold  lace,  gold  fringe,  gold  em- 
broidery, or  anything  resembling  gold,  on  their  masonic  clothing  or 
ornaments."  (Minutes  of  the  Athol  Grand  Lodge,  September  2,  1772.) 


INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY. 


thynges  for  manne's  use,  headlye,  dwelyngs  and  buyld- 
yngs  of  alle  kindes,  and  al  odher  thynges  that  make  gude 
to  raanne."32  A  masonic  document  of  still  greater  anti- 
quity says,  that  "  a  loge  of  Masons  taught  all  the  seven 
liberal  sciences,  as  joined  under  geometry,  which  teach- 
eth  met  and  measure,  ponderation  and  weight  of  every 
thing  in  arid  upon  the  face  of  the  whole  earth  ;  for  you 
know  every  craftsman  works  by  measure  ;  he  or  she  that 
buyeth  or  selleth,  it  is  by  weight  and  measure;  husband- 
men, navigators,  and  painters,  all  of  them  use  geometry; 
for  whether,  grammar,  rhetoric,  logic,  or  any  other  of  the 
said  sciences,  can  subsist  without  geometry,  ergo,  most 
worthy,  laudable,  and  honourable."33 

Some  or  all  of  the  above,  it  is  probable,  together  with 
the  means  of  carrying  into  effect  the  charitable  designs 
of  the  society,  constituted  the  ordinary  labour  of  the 
lodges  of  that  period.  It  was  an  original  law  of  Ma- 
sonry, that  each  particular  lodge  may  dispose  of  its  own 
charity  for  poor  Brothers,  according  to  its  own  by-laws. 
But  at  the  Grand  Lodge,  21st  November,  1724,  Brother 
Francis  Scot,  Earl  of  Dalkeith,  afterwards  the  Duke  of 
Buccleugh,  the  Past  Grand  Master,  proposed  that,  in 
order  to  promote  the  charitable  disposition  of  Freema- 
sons, and  to  render  it  more  extensively  beneficial  to  the 
society,  each  lodge  may  make  a  certain  collection,  accord- 
ing to  ability,  to  be  put  into  a  joint  stock,  lodged  in  the 
hands  of  a  treasurer  at  every  quarterly  communication, 
for  the  relief  of  distressed  Brethren  that  shall  be  recom- 
mended by  the  contributing  lodges  to  the  Grand  Officers 
from  time  to  time.  This  motion  being  unanimously 
agreed  to,  formed  the  germ  of  our  present  glorious  Fund 
of  Benevolence. 

Such  was  masonic  labour  down  to  the  close  of  the 
century,  when  the  authorized  lectures,  having  been  con- 
siderably extended,  a  series  of  legitimate  pursuits  were 
instituted,  which  might  profitably  occupy  the  attention 
of  scientific  Brethren  for  an  indefinite  length  of  time. 
In  these  lectures  the  philosophy  of  Masonry  began  to 
be  exemplified,  and  the  world  became  apprized  of  the 
fact  in  the  published  works  of  Calcott  and  Hutchinson, 
each  of  whom  had  been  the  Master  of  his  Lodge,  and 

32  MS.  temp.  Henry  VI.  w  Harl.  MS.  B.M.  vol.  1924. 


16  INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY. 

having  delivered  from  the  chair  a  series  of  moral  lectures 
on  the  chief  references  of  the  Order,  afterwards  printed 
them  for  the  edification  of  the  craft;  and  of  Preston, 
who  illustrated  the  ceremonies,  and  extended  the  history 
of  the  Order  down  to  his  own  times.  These  writings 
contributed  in  a  great  degree  to  awaken  the  sympathies 
of  the  public,  and  to  direct  opinion  into  a  pure  and  con- 
sistent channel  of  enquiry. 

The  symbols  of  Masonry  formed  a  striking  feature  in 
the  system,  as  it  was  practised  in  the  eighteenth  cen- 
tury. I  have,  however,  no  intention  of  entering  on  their 
explanation  here,  because  I  have  heretofore  treated  at 
large  on  the  subject.34  Swift  and  others  attempted  to 
turn  the  custom  of  symbolization  into  ridicule.  Speak- 
ing of  wisdom  in  his  Tale  of  a  Tub,  he  says,  "  the  (irn- 
baean  sages  have  always  chosen  to  convey  their  precepts 
and  their  arts  shut  up  within  the  vehicles  of  types  and 
symbols :  which,  having  been  perhaps  more  careful  and 
curious  in  adorning  than  was  altogether  necessary,  it  has 
fared  with  these  vehicles  after  the  usual  fate  of  coaches, 
over-finely  painted  and  gilt,  that  the  transitory  gazers 
have  so  dazzled  their  eyes,  and  filled  their  imaginations 
with  the  outward  lustres,  as  neither  to  regard  or  consider 
the  person  or  the  parts  of  the  owner  within.  A  misfor- 
tune we  undergo  with  somewhat  less  reluctance  because 
it  has  been  common  to  us  with  Pythagoras,  J£sop,  Socra- 
tes, and  other  of  our  predecessors.  However,  that  neither 
the  world  nor  ourselves  may  any  longer  suffer  by  such 
misunderstandings,  I  have  been  prevailed  on,  after  much 
importunity  from  my  friends,  to  travel  in  a  complete  and 
laborious  dissertation  upon  the  prime  productions  of  our 
society;  which,  besides  their  beautiful  externals  for  the 
gratification  of  superficial  readers,  have  darkly  arid  deeply 
couched  under  them  the  most  finished  and  refined  sys- 
tems of  all  sciences  and  arts ;  as  I  do  not  doubt  to  lay 
open  by  untwisting  or  unwinding,  and  either  to  draw 
up  by  exaltation,  or  display  by  incision." 

This  was  a  sly  inuendo  against  the  usages  of  Freema- 
sonry in  that  day ;  for  the  illustration  of  architectural 
symbols  had  been  revised  and  extended  in  the  early  days 
of  the  Grand  Mastership  of  Sir  C.  Wren,  and  had,  doubt- 

34  See  the  Signs  and  Symbols,  and  other  of  my  works  on  Masonry. 


INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY.  17 

less,  excited  public  attention  when  I  his  philippic  was 
written.  In  the  subsequent  part  of  his  life  he  was  more 
personal  and  severe.35  The  excellence,  however,  of  the 
symbolical  system  used  by  our  Brethren  at  the  above 
period,  was  dilated  on  by  masonic  writers  with  pride, 
and  appealed  to  as  a  triumphant  illustration  of  its  excel- 
lence. This  drew  out  a  host  of  imitators  amongst  the 
members  of  other  societies ;  and  even  the  great  moralist, 
Dr.  Johnson,  the  literary  leviathan  of  the  eighteenth 
century,  did  not  disdain  to  profit  by  the  example  thus 
afforded  him  ;  and  in  one  of  his  most  popular  papers  he 
has  adopted  the  symbolical  style  of  Freemasonry  ;  and 
on  this  model  has  given  a  series  of  hints  for  conversation, 
typified  in  the  ingredients  of  a  bowl  of  punch.36 

Of  the  equality  amongst  Masons  much  might  be  said. 
The  old  lectures  taught  that  "  the  Brethren  are  all  equal 
by  their  creation,  but  much  more  so  by  the  strength  of 
their  obligation."37  The  former  part  of  this  illustration 
evidently  refers  to  man  as  an  animal,  without  reference 
to  his  mind ;  because,  in  that  respect,  we  are  not  equal 
by  our  creation  ;  for  while  some  are  formed  with  the 
brightest  mental  qualifications,  others  are  rude  and 
sensual,  and  some  idiotic  and  without  an  idea.  But,  this 
diversity  is  in  some  measure  rectified  by  the  0  B,  because 
the  old  constitutions,  provided  that  none  should  be  ini- 
tiated who  had  any  defect  in  body  or  mind,  or  who* were 
incapable  of  learning  the  mysteries  of  the  craft.8  And 

35  See  Masonic  Institutes,  p.  9.  3ti  Idler,  No.  34. 

37  The  following  illustration  is  sometimes  delivered  in  the  E.  A.  P. 
lecture.     "  A  king,  in  the  lodge,  is  reminded  that,  although  a  crown  may 
adorn  the  head,  or  a  sceptre  the  hand,  the  blood  in  his  veins  is  derived 
from  the  common  parent  of  mankind,  and  is  no  better  than  that  of  his 
meanest  subject.     The  statesman,  the  senator,  and  the  artist,  are  there 
taught  that,  equally  with  others,  they  are  exposed  by  nature  to  infirmity 
and  disease,  and  that  an  unforeseen  misfortune,  or  a  disordered  frame,  may 
impair  their  faculties,  and  reduce  them  to  a  level  with  the  meanest  of 
their  species.    This  consideration  is  a  check  to  pride,  and  incites  courtesy 
of  behaviour.     Men  of  inferior  talents,  who  are  not  placed  by  fortune  in 
such  exalted  stations,  are  instructed  to  regard  their  superiors  with  respect, 
when  they  behold  them  voluntarily  divested  of  the  external  trappings  of 
worldly  grandeur,  and  condescending,  in  the  badge  of  innocence  and  bond 
of  friendship,  to  trace  wisdom  and  to  follow  virtue,  assisted  by  those  who 
are  of  a  rank  beneath  them.     Virtue  is  true  nobility ;  wisdom  is  the 
channel  by  which  virtue  is  directed  and  conveyed  ;  wisdom  and  virtue 
alone  mark  distinction  amongst  Masons." 

38  It  is  provided  by  the  present  laws  of  Masonry,  that  no  person  shall 


IS  INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY. 

Masons  ure  not  equal  in  rank  even  in  the  lodge,  because 
some  rule  and  govern  while  others  submit  and  obey.''9 
And,  therefore,  it  was  declared  in  the  Gothic  chaiges,  in 
use  during  the  last  century,  that  "though  all  Brothers 
and  fellows  are  upon  the  level,  yet  Masonry  divests  no 
man  of  the  honour  due  to  him  before  he  was  made  a 
Mason,  or  that  shall  become  his  due  afterwards;  mi}, 
rather,  it  adds  to  his  respect,  teaching  us  to  give  honour 
to  whom  it  is  due,  especially  to  a  noble  or  eminent  Bro- 
ther, whom  we  should  distinguish  from  all  of  his  rank 
and  station,  and  serve  him  readily,  according  to  our 
ability." 

In  what,  then,  does  the  equality  of  Masons  consist?  Jt 
consists  in  the  capacity  of  doing  good  to  each  other,  and 
to  our  fellow-creatures  in  general;  of  being  equally  xeal- 

be  received  as  a  candidate  for  initiation,  except  he  be  "  a  free  man  ami 
his  own  master;  and  at  the  time  of  his  initiation,  be  known  to  1>  :u 
reputable  circumstances.  lie  should  be  a  lover  of  the  liberal  arts  and 
sciences,  and  have  made  some  progress  in  one  or  other  of  them."  (Const. 
Of  proposing  members,  &.  4.)  The  following  censure  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
on  this  point  ought  to  be  known  ;  for  obvious  reasons  the  name  of  the 
offending  lodge  is  omitted.  "  It  being  remarked  in  the  Grand  Lodge  that 
some  of  the  brethren  of  the  lodge  No.  — ,  were  unable  to  write,  inasmuch 
as  their  marks  only  were  affixed  against  their  names,  and  amongst  them 
was  the  Junior  Warden.  As  the  above  law  declares  such  individual* 
ineligible  for  initiation,  the  Grand  Master  gave  notice  that  he  shall  led  it 
a  duty  he  owes  to  the  craft  to  bring  under  the  cognizance  of  the  Grand 
Lodge,  the  conduct  of  any  lodge  which  shall,  in  future,  violate  this 
wholesome  and  necessary  law  ;  a  breach  of  which,  as  it  is  declared  in  the 
preamble  to  the  regulations  for  proposing  members,  shall  subject  the 
offending  lodge  to  erasure.  And  the  Grand  Master  will  require  his 
Provincial  Grand  Masters  to  warn  the  lodges  under  their  respective 
superintendence,  of  this  His  Royal  Highness 's  determination;  and  to 
report  to  him  any  instance  which  shall  come  to  their  knowledge  ni  a 
disregard  of  the  law  in  this  respect."  (Quarterly  Com.  26th  September, 
1826.) 

39  And  this  is  the  true  principle  on  which  human  society  hinges.  Dr. 
Johnson,  speaking  of  a  lady  who  promulgated  the  doctrine  of  reducing 
all  classes  to  the  same  level,  used  to  relate  the  IbKowing  anecdote.  "  One 
day,  when  I  was  at  her  house,  I  put  on  a  very  grave  countenance,  and  said 


civil,  well-behaved  fellow-citizen — your  footman ;  I  desire  that  he  may 
be  allowed  to  sit  down  and  dine  with  us.  I  thus,  sir,  showed  her  the 
absurdity  of  the  levelling  doctrine.  She  has  never  liked  me  since.  Sir, 
your  levellers  wish  to  level  down  as  far  as  themselves,  but  they  cannot 
bear  levelling  up  to  themselves.  They  would  all  have  some  people  under 
them  ;  why  not,  then,  have  some  people  above  them  ?" 


INTRODUCTORY    ESSAY.  19 

ous  in  the  promotion  of  brotherly  love  in  the  lodge,  of 
relief  out  of  the  lodge,  and  of  truth  always  and  every- 
where. Such  an  equality  is  as  honourable  to  the  Order 
as  it  is  beneficial  to  its  members.  When  a  whole  society, 
extended  over  the  entire  universe,  are  united  in  the  great 
design  of  promoting  the  benefit  of  their  fellow-creatures, 
each  individual  exerting  himself  with  equal  zeal,  accord- 
ing to  his  ability,  they  can  scarcely  fail  of  receiving  the 
unqualified  approbation  of  mankind.  This,  then,  is  the 
object  of  Freemasonry  ;  and  this  is  the  equality  of  which 
they  have  just  reason  to  be  proud;  because,  while  the 
humble  Brother  makes  no  attempt  to  derogate  from  the 
temporal  rank  of  his  associates,  he  is  still  capable  of 
rising  to  an  equality  with  them  in  the  practice  of  virtue. 

I  have  been  thus  particular  in  frankly  displaying  the 
customs  and  usages  of  Freemasonry,  for  the  purpose  of 
showing  the  utter  unreasonableness  of  those  who  have 
considered  the  Order  to  be  a  legitimate  object  of  syste- 
matic persecution  ;  and  the  following  pages  will  show 
that,  in  all  ages,  men,  high  in  authority,  have  been  found 
who  have  affected  to  distrust  its  professions,  as  an  apo- 
logy for  the  denunciation  of  its  members  and  the  prohi- 
bition of  its  practice.  It  is  probable,  however,  that  its 
enemies  have  been  actuated  by  envy,  and  the  true  reason 
of  their  opposition  has  been  a  determination  that  no 
secrets  but  their  own  should  be  tolerated.  This  has 
been  peculiarly  the  case  in  Spain,  Portugal,  and  Italy ; 
and,  in  more  modern  times,  in  India,  Malta,  and — hinc 
illae  lachryrnae! — our  own  dear  sister  island. 

In  Spain,  the  Pope,  so  early  as  17:J7,  fulminated  a 
furious  decree  against  the  Order ;  in  which  confiscation 
and  death  were  denou-nced  against  all  Freemasons.  A 
few  years  later  King  Philip  V.  sentenced  several  Masons 
to  the  galleys  for  life,  and  some  he  punished  with  tor- 
ture-in the  prisons  of  the  Inquisition,  and  death  by  burn- 
ing. In  Portugal  Freemasonry  has  also  been  scourged 
by  religious  intolerance  ;  and  the  prisons  of  the  Inquisi- 
tion re-echoed  with  the  groans  of  those  worthy  men  who 
were  guilty  of  no  crime  but  the  practice  of  brotherly 
love.  Italy  was  unfavourable  to  the  spread  of  the  liberal 
arts  practised  in  connection  with  Freemasonry.  In  1751 
it  was  prohibited  at  Naples  by  Charles  III.  of  Spain  : 
and  members  of  the  craft  were  subjected  to  every  kind 
2 


SO  IXTnODl.'CTO.'Y    ESSAY. 

of  persecution  through  the  intolerance  of  a  pontifical 
church.  The  civil  power  was  always  at  hand,  ready  to 
give  effect  to  the  fulminatioris  of  the  priests,  which  was 
an  unfortunate  coalition  for  the  unhappy  Mason  who 
was  subjected  to  their  authority.  Venice  had  a  lodge  of 
Masons  once,  but  it  was  abolished  by  the  transportation 
of  its  members. 

The  modern  persecutions  of  Freemasonry,  to  which  I 
have  ventured  to  devote  a  chapter  in  this  volume,  are 
still  less  excusable  ;  because,  in  the  first  place,  the  gene- 
ral spread  of  education  and  the  enlightenment  of  the 
mind  in  our  own  more  happy  times  ought  to  have  extin- 
guished all  jealousy  and  introduced  a  more  liberal  trcl- 
ing  than  could  be  found  at  the  beginning  and  middle  of 
the  last  century  ;  added  to  which  the  science  is  better 
known,  and  its  true  principles  more  universally  dissemi- 
nated. The  day  is  past  for  any  great  object  to  be 
accomplished  by  means  of  persecution  ;  and  those  who, 
at  this  distinguished  era,  still  persist  in  the  face  of  a 
long  experience  of  the  utter  hopelessness  of  the  task,  in 
their  endeavours  to  extinguish  Freemasonry  by  coercion, 
will  find  themselves  in  the  condition  so  well  expressed 
by  Dr.  Anderson,  in  the  old  Sword  Bearer's  song : 

•'  To  all  who  Masonry  despise, 

This  counsel  I  bestow  : 
Don't  ridicule,  if  you  are  wise, 

A  secret  you  don't  know. 
Yourselves  you  banter,  but  not  it; 
You  show  your  spleen,  but  not  youi  ivit." 


CHAPTER    I  . 

A    DETECTION    OF    DR.    PLOT'S    ACCOUNT    OF    THE    FREE- 
MASONS. 

"  A  detractor  is  one  of  a  more  cunning  and  active  envy,  wherewith  he 
gnaws  not  foolishly  himself,  but  throws  it  abroad,  and  would  have  it 
blister  others.  He  is  commonly  some  weak  pated  fellow,  and  worse 
minded ;  yet  is  strangely  ambitious  to  match  others,  not  by  mounting 
their  worth,  but  bringing  them  down  with  his  tongue  to  his  own  poor- 
ness. He  is,  indeed,  like  the  red  dragon  that  pursued  the  woman  ;  for 
when  he  cannot  overreach  another,  he  opens  his  mouth  and  throws  a 
flood  after  to  drown  him.  You  cannot  anger  him  worse  than  to  do 
well ;  and  he  hates  you  more  bitterly  for  this,  than  if  you  had  cheated 
him  of  his  patrimony." — .BISHOP  EARLE. 

WHAT  could  induce  the  sagacious  Doctor  to  step  so 
far  out  of  his  way,  or  to  meddle  with  a  matter  so  foreign 
to  the  purpose  of  a  natural  historian,  may,  at  this  dis- 
tance of  time,  be  a  little  difficult  to  determine  j1  but 
most  certain  it  is,  his  rude  and  insipid  conjectures  and 

1  It  is  highly  probable  that  the  learned  Doctor  had  been  led  away  by  a 
publication,  entitled  "  the  Paradoxical  Discourses  of  Fr.  Mercur.  von 
Helmont,  concerning  the  Macrocosm  and  Microcosm  of  the  greater  and 
lesser  World,  and  their  union,"  which  made  its  appearance  while  he  was 
writing  his  book  ;  and  having  found  Freemasonry,  as  he  says,  very  pre- 
valent in  Staffordshire,  he  took  this  publication  for  his  guide,  and  repeat- 
ing the  arguments  which  he  found  there,  he  augmented  their  force  by  some 
vague  lucubrations  of  his  own.  The  uninitiated  world  entertained  an 
opinion  that  the  sublime  productions  of  the  ancient  operative  Masons 
had  been  effected  by  the  agency  of  the  devil,  as  tradition  pronounced  the 
temple  of  Solomon  to  be  built  by  genii  ;  and  therefore  they  affected  to 
believe  the  tale  which  Euclid  so  well  ridiculed  in  his  letter  to  Dr.  Ander- 
son (A.  D.  1738,)  that  "  the  Freemasons,  in  their  lodges,  raised  the  devil 
in  a  circle,  and  when  they  had  done  with  him,  laid  him  again  with  a  noise 
or  a  hush,  as  they  pleased."  Dr.  Plot,  hearing  these,  and  other  wild  and 
improbable  stories,  and  being  very  credulous,  believed  them,  and  thought, 
most  probably,  that  he  should  be  rendering  a  service  to  science  by 
denouncing  the  Order,  and  endeavoring  to  refute  its  claims  to  public 
vTedence. 


22  A    DETECTION    OF    DR.    PLOT'S 

misrepresentations  of  the  Freemasons,  to  whose  founda- 
tion and  history  he  was  an  absolute  stranger,  are  not 
more  false  and  groundless,  than  his  conduct  in  that  ciiiiiir 
was  base,  insidious,  and  unworthy  of  any  writer,  who 
had  the  least  regard  for  truth ;  and,  besides,  it  was 
ungrateful,  because  the  bread  he  eat  was  furnished  him 
by  Mr.  Ashmole,  the  greatest  Mason  of  his  day,2  and  who 
could,  had  the  good  Doctor  been  in  the  least  inclined  to 
receive  it,  have  given  him  ample  satiwfaction,  which  will 
set  this  unbiassed  history  in  a  point  of  view,  very  little 
to  the  credit  of  the  supple,  and,  as  it  will  be  found,  time- 
serving Dr.  Plot.3  A  small  portion  of  gratitude  for  all 
the  good  things  he  had  received  at  the  hands  of  his  mas- 
ter, should  have  prompted  him  to  have  cleared  up,  as  far 
as  he  was  able,  the  history  of  Alban,  Amphibalus,  and 
Prince  Edwin,  all  enveloped  with  great  obscurities  in 
the  histories  of  Britain,  though  clear  and  evident  enough 
in  the  annals  and  traditions  of  Masonry  ;  it  may  be  pre- 
sumed, he  would  have  gained  much  more  reputation  and 
honour  than  he  could  ever  hope  to  reap  by  these  unjus- 
tifiable censures  ;  either  of  which  would  have  found  him 
sufficient  employment,  and  prevented  his  attempts  to 
degrade  a  society,  of  whose  story  his  own  account  marks 
him  confessedly  ignorant.  As  this  society  has  been  so 
very  ancient  as  to  rise  beyond  the  reach  of  records,  there 

8  This  celebrated  philosopher,  who  founded  the  museum  at  Oxford,  of 
which  Dr.  Plot  was  at  this  time  the  keeper,  was  initiated  at  Warring-ton, 
in  Lancashire,  16th  October,  1646.  The  writer  of  his  life  says,  this  was 
"  a  favour  esteemed  so  singular  by  the  members,  that  kings  themselves 
have  not  disdained  to  enter  themselves  of  this  society.  From  these 
derived  the  Adopted  Masons,  Accepted  Masons,  or  Freemasons,  who  are 
known  to  one  another  all  over  the  world  by  certain  signals  and  watch- 
words known  to  them  alone."  In  Bro.  Ashmole's  Diary  are  several  notes 
of  the  meetings  of  lodges  where  he  was  present. 

3  The  evidence  of  Dr.  Plot  is  extremely  valuable,  because  it  proves 
beyond  dispute,  that  the  lodges  of  Masons  were  numerous  in  Staffordshire, 
and  the  ceremonies  of  initiation  in  full  operation,  during  the  seventeenth 
century ;  which  completely  refutes  the  confident  assertion  of  De  Quim-ey, 
in  the  London  Magazine,  where  he  say*,  "  I  affirm  as  a  fact,  established 
upon  historical  research,  that  before  the  beginning  of  the  seventeen 
tury,  no  traces  are  to  be  met  with  of  the  Masonic  order.  And  1  challenge 
any  antiquarian  to  contradict  me."  However  dogmatical  Ibis  challenge 
may  appear,  it  is  utterly  disproved  and  refuted  by  the  above  account  of 
the  Freemasons  by  Dr.  Plot ;  and  thus  the  tirade  of  this  learned  antiquary 
becomes  subservient  to  prove  the  truth  of  that  Order,  which  he  took  such 
pains  to  destroy. 


ACCOUNT    OF    THE    FREEMASONS.  23 

need  not  be  much  wonder  made,  that  a  mixture  of  fable 
is  found  in  its  early  history,  about  the  time  of  their  first 
establishment  in  this  island  ;4  as  the  same  defect  is  avow- 
edly confessed  by  till  historians  concerning  the  ancient 
foundations  in  our  own  and  other  nations.  I  subjoin  the 
passage  entire  : 

"  They  have  a  custom  in  Staffordshire  (says  Dr.  Plot) 
of  admitting  men  into  the  society  of  Freemasons,  that  in 
the  Morelands  of  this  country  seems  to  be  of  greater 
request  than  anywhere  else,  though  I  find  the  custom 
spread  more  or  less  all  over  the  nation  ;  for  here  I  found 
persons  of  the  most  eminent  quality,  that  did  not  disdain 
to  be  of  this  fellowship  ;  nor,  indeed,  need  they,  were  it 
of  that  antiquity  and  honour,  that  is  pretended  in  a 
large  parchment  volume  they  have  amongst  them  :  con- 
taining the  history  and  rules  of  the  craft  of  Masonry, 
which  is  there  deduced  not  only  frorrr  sacred  writ,  but 
profane  story ;  particularly  that  it  was  brought 
England  by  St.  Amphibalus,  and  first  communicated  to 
St.  Alban,  who  set  down  the  charges  of  Masonry,  and 
was  made  pay-master  and  governor  of  the  king's  works, 
and  gave  them  charges  and  manners  as  St.  Amphibalus 
had  taught  him  :  which  were  after  confirmed  by  King 
Athelstan,  whose  youngest  son  Edwyn  loved  well 
Masonry,  took  upon  him  the  charges,  arid  learned  the 
manners,  and  obtained  for  them  of  his  father  a  free  char- 
ter. Whereupon  he  caused  them  to  assemble  at  -York, 
and  to  bring  all  the  old  books  of  their  craft,  and  out  of 
them  ordained  such  charges  and  manners  as  they  then 
thought  fit  :  which  charges  in  the  said  scrole,  or  parch- 
ment volume,  are  in  part  declared  ;  and  thus  was  the 


4  In  Kees's  Encyclopaedia  we  have  the  following  account : — "  Some 
have  traced  the  origin  of  Masonry  to  the  year  6  74,  when  the  public 
buildings  in  the  Gothic  style  were  erected  by  men  in  companies,  who 
called  themslves  Free,  because  they  were  at  liberty  to  work  in  any  part 
of  the  kingdom.  Others  have  derived  the  institution  of  Freemasons  from 
a  combination  among  the  Masons,  not  to  work  without  an  advance  of 
wages,  when  they  were  summoned  from  several  counties,  by  writs  of 
Edward  III.,  directed  to  the  sheriffs,  to  assist  in  rebuilding  and  enlarging 
the  castle,  together  with  the  church  and  chapel  of  St.  George,  at  Wind- 
sor. Accordingly,  it  is  said  that  the  Masons  agreed  on  certain  signs  and 
tokens,  by  which  they  might  know  one  another,  and  assist  one  another 
against  being  impressed,  and  not  to  work  unless  free,  and  on  their  own 
terms." 


24  A    DETECTION    OF    DR.   PLOT'S 

craft  of  Masonry  grounded  and  confirmed  in  England. 
It  is  also  there  declared,  that  these  charges  arid  manners 
were  after  perused  and  approved  by  King  Henry  VI.  and 
his  council,  both  as  to  Masters  and  fellows  of  this  right 
worshipful  craft.5 

'•Into  which  society,  when  they  are  admitted,  they 
call  a  meeting  (or  lodge,  as  they  term  it  in  some  places), 
which  must  consist  at  least  of  five  or  six  of  the  ancients 
-of  the  Order,  whom  the  candidates  present  with  gloves,0 
and  so  likewise  to  their  wives,  and  entertain  with  a 
collation,  according  to  the  custom  of  the  place :  this 
ended,  they  proceed  to  the  admission  of  them,  which 
chiefly  consists  in  the  communication  of  certain  secret 
signs,  whereby  they  are  known  to  one  another  all  over 
the  nation,  by  which  means  they  have  maintenance 
whither  ever  they  travel ;  for  if  any  man  appear,  though 
altogether  unknown,  that  can  show  any  of  these  signs  to 
a  fellow  of  the  society,  whom  they  otherwise  call  an 
Accepted  Mason,  he  is  obliged  presently  to  come  to  him, 
from  what  company  or  place  soever  he  be  in  :  nay, 
though  from  the  top  of  a  steeple,  what  hazard  or  incon- 
venience soever  he  run,  to  know  his  pleasure,  and  assist 
him ;  viz..  if  he  want  work,  he  is  bound  to  find  him 

6 Mr.  Halliwell  says,  "in  the  Gentleman's  Magazine  for  17f>.'5,  there  is 
a  reprint  of  a  pamphlet,  stated  to  have  been  published  at  Frankfort  in 
the  year  1748,  in  an  octavo  volume  of  twelve  pages.  It  is  entitled,  •  t.Vr- 
tayne  Questions,  with  arisweres  to  the  same,  concerning  the  Mystery  of 
Magonrye,  wryttene  by  the  hande  of  Kynge  Henrye  the  Sixthe  of  the 
name,  and  faithfully  copied  by  me,  Johan  Leylande,  Antiquarius.  l>y  the 
command  of  his  Highnesse,'  (probably  Henry  VTIII).  It  is  singular  that 
the  circumstances  attending  its  publication  should  have  led  no  one  to 
suspect  its  authenticity.  I  was  at  the  pains  of  making  a  long  search  in 
the  Bodleian  Library,  in  the  hopes  of  finding  the  original,  but  without 
success.  In  fact,  there  can  be  little  doubt,  that  this  celebrated  and  well 
known  document  is  a  forgery."  (Early  Hist,  of  Freemasonry,  p.  3D.) 
These  observations  refer,  it  is  presumed,  to  the  "  Scrolc  or  parchment 
volume,"  above  mentioned.  Now,  Dr.  Plot  published  his  History  of 
Staffordshire  in  1686,  ten  years  before  Mr.  Locke's  Letter  was  written, 
in  which  he  copiously  explains  the  document,  and  sixty  years  before  it 
was  printed  at  Frankfort ;  and,  therefore,  being  in  existence  in  the  seven- 
teenth century,  it  could  not  be  a  forgery  of  the  eighteenth.  I  have  re- 
corded my  opinion  of  the  celebrated  MS.  in  the  Freemasons'  Quarterly 
Review  for  1840,  p.  10,  and  therefore  must  refer  the  reader  to  that 
volume  for  further  testimony,  which  it  will  be  unnecessary  to  repeat  in 
this  place. 

6  This  custom  has  boon  laid  aside  in  our  modern  lodges,  but  is  still  useti 
on  the  Continent  of  Europe. 


ACCOUNT    OF    THE    FREEMASONS.  25 

some;  or  if  he  cannot  do  that,  to  give  him  money,  or 
otherwise  support  him  till  work  can  be  had,  which  is 
one  of  their  articles  ;7  and  it  is  another,  that  they  advise 
the  masters  they  work  for,  according  to  the  best  of  their 
skill,  acquainting  them  with  the  goodness  or  badness  of 
their  materials  ;  and  if  they  be  any  way  out  in  the  con- 
trivance of  the  buildings,  modestly  to  rectify  them  in  it, 
that  Masonry  be  not  dishonoured;  and  many  such  like 
that  are  commonly  known  ;  but  some  others  they  have 
(to  which  they  are  sworn,  after  their  fashion)  that  none 
know  but  themselves,  which  I  have  reason  to  suspect 
are  much  worse  than  these,  perhaps  as  bad  as  this 
history  of  the  craft  itself;  than  which  there  is  nothing  I 
ever  met  with  more  false  or  incoherent.8 

"  For  not  to  mention  that  St.  Amphibalus,  by  judicious 
persons,  is  thought  rather  to  be  the  cloak  than  master 
of  St.  Alban  ;  or  how  unlikely  it  is  that  St.  Alban  him- 
self in  such  a  barbarous  age,  and  in  times  of  persecution, 
should  be  supervisor  of  any  works;  it  is  plain  that  King 
Athelstan  was  never  married,  or  ever  had  so  much  as  any 
natural  issue  (unless  we  give  way  to  the  fabulous  history 
of  Guy  Earl  of  Warwick,  whose  eldest  son,  Reynburn,  is 
said,  indeed,  to  have  been  married  to  Leoneat,  the  sup- 
posed daughter  of  Athelstan,  which  will  not  serve  the 
turn  neither),  much  less  ever  had  he  a  lawful  son  Edwyn, 
of  whom  I  find  not  the  least  umbrage  in  history.  He 
had,  indeed,  a  brother  of  that  name,  of  whom  he  was  so 
jealous,  though  very  young  when  he  came  to  the  crown, 
that  he  sent  him  to  sea  in  a  pinnace,  without  tackle  or 
oar,  only  in  company  with  a  page,  that  his  death  might 
be  imputed  to  the  waves,  and  not  to  him ;  whence  the 
young  prince,  not  able  to  master  his  passions,  cast  him- 
self headlong  into  the  sea,  and  there  died.  Who  how 

7  Here  we  have  au  excellent  description  of  the  usages  aud  charges 
practised  by  our  brethren  in  the  seventeenth  century ;  from  which  we 
may  learn  that  the  Masonry  of  that  period  varied  very  little  in  the  cere- 
monial from  the  customs  still  prevalent  amongst  ourselves  ;  and  this  will 
be  a  standing  proof  of  the  unchangeable  nature  of  the  Order. 

8  How  the  erudite  Doctor  could  make  up  his  mind  to  pass  this  sweep- 
ing censure  on  the  fraternity,  after  having  just  given  them  credit  for  some 
of  the  best  feelings  of  humanity  and  religion,  I  am  at  a  loss  to  conjecture. 
He  must  have  been  under  some  more  evil  influence  than  appears  on  t 
surface,  or  he  could  not  have  praised  and  condemned  the  Order  m  the 
tame  sentence. 


26  A    DETECTION    OF    DR.    PLOT'S 

unlikely  to  learn  their  manners  ;   to  get  them  a  charter ; 
or  call  them  together  at  York,  let  the  reader  judge. 

•'Yet  more  improbable  it  is  still,  that  Henry  VI.  and 
his  council,  should  ever  peruse  or  approve  their  charges 
and  manners,  and  so  confirm  these  right  worshipful 
Masters  and  fellows,  as  they  are  called  in  the  scrole  ;  for 
in  the  third  year  of  his  reign,  when  he  could  not  be  four 
years  old,  I  find  an  Act  of  Parliament  quite  abolishing 
this  society:  it  being  therein  ordained,  that  no  congre- 
gations and  confederacies  should  be  made  by  Masons,  in 
their  general  chapters  and  assemblies,  whereby  the  good 
course  and  effect  of  the  statutes  of  labourers  were  vio- 
lated and  broken  in  subversion  of  law  ;  and  that  those 
who  caused  such  chapters  or  congregations  to  be  holden, 
should  be  adjudged  felons;  and  those  Masons  that  came 
to  them  should  be  punished  by  imprisonment,  and  make 
fine  and  ransom,  at  the  king's  will.  So  very  much  out 
was  the  compiler  of  this  history  of  the  craft  of  Masonry, 
and  so  little  skill  had  he  in  our  chronicles  and  laws. 
Which  statute,  though  repealed  by  a  subsequent  act  in 
the  fifth  of  Elizabeth,  whereby  servants  and  labourers 
are  compelled  to  serve,  and  their  wages  limited  ;  and  all 
masters  made  punished  for  giving  more  wages  than  what 
is  taxed  by  the  justices,  and  the  servants  if  they  take 
it,  &c. ;  yet  this  act  too  being  but  little  observed,  it  is 
still  to  be  feared  these  chapters  of  Freemasons  do  as 
much  mischief  as  before,  which,  if  one  may  estimate  by 
the  penalty,  was  anciently  so  great,  that  perhaps  it 
might  be  useful  to  examine  them  now."  (Natural  History 
of  Staffordshire,  c.  viii.  pp.  316,  317,  318.) 

St.  Alban,  the  first  person  honoured  with  the  Doctor's 
candid  suggestions,  is  famous  for  being  the  first  Christian 
who  suffered  martyrdom  in  this  island ;  and  also  for  being 
the  first  Master-general,  Surveyor  or  Grand  Master  of 
Masons,  as  is  set  forth  in  an  ancient  writing,  called  "the 
Ghost  of  Masonry:"  he  was  born  at  Verulam,  of  pagan 
parents  :  in  his  youth  he  took  a  journey  to  Rome,  in 
company  with  Amphibalus,  of  the  city  of  Caer-Leon, 
supposed  by  many  to  be  by  birth  a  Roman ;  and  there 
served  for  seven  years  in  the  army  of  the  Emperor  Dio 
clesian.9  Leland  tells  us,  that  at  the  time  St.  Alban 

9  Dallaway,  in  his  historical  account  of  Master  and  Freemasons,  ays— 


ACCOUNT    OF    THE    FREEMASONS.  27 

flourished,  learning  and  the  polite  arts  had  been  lately 
introduced  by  the  Komans  into  Britain,  which  was  now 
become  a  province  of  the  empire  ;  and  that  the  youth 
of  quality  and  distinction  used  to  travel  to  Rome  for  im- 
provement in  knowledge  and  the  sciences.  Being  re- 
turned home,  he  lived  highly  honoured  in  the  town  of 
Verularn,  where,  through  the  example  and  instructions 
of  his  fellow  traveller  Amphibalus,  he  became  a  thorough 
convert  to  the  Christian  religion;  in  the  tenth  and  last 
general  persecution  of  the  Christians,  in  the  year  303,10 
he  was  beheaded  for  the  same,  a  favour  intended  him  on 
account  of  his  noble  birth,  at  Holrnhurst,  since  called 
Derswald.  where  now  the  town  of  St.  Albari  stnnds;11  to 
the  lasting  honour  of  whose  name  and  merits  King  Offa, 
in  after-times,  founded  a  most  magnificent  monastery.12 

"  The  first  notice  that  occurs  of  an  associated  body  of  artificers,  Romans, 
who  had  established  themselves  in  Britain,  is  a  votive  inscription,  in 
which  the  College  of  Masons  dedicate  a  temple  to  Neptune  and  Minerva, 
and  the  safety  of  the  family  of  Claudius  Caesar.  It  was  discovered  at 
Chichester  in  1725,  in  a  fragmented  state,  and,  having  been  pieced  to- 
gether, is  now  preserved  at  Goodwood,  near  that  city,  the  seat  of  the 
Duke  of  Richmond.  Pliny,  the  author  of  the  well  known  Epistles,  when 
proconsul  of  Asia  Minor,  in  one  which  he  addressed  to  the  Emperor 
Trajan,  informs  him  of  a  most  destructive  fire  at  Nicomedia,  and  requests 
him  to  establish  a  COLLEGIUM  FABRORUM  for  the  rebuilding  of  the  city. 
The  emperor  refuses,  and  alleges  as  a  reason — '  sed  memiuerimus  provin- 
ciam  istam  et  prsecipue  eas  civitates,  ab  ejusmodi  factionibus  esse  vexatas.' 
The  jealousy  entertained  by  all  arbitrary  governments  against  confrater- 
nities, whose  consultations  are  held  under  the  seal  of  impenetrable 
secrecy,  or  the  penalty  annexed  to  the  breach  of  it,  was  early  displayed 
by  Trajan,  who  rejects  the  proposition,  under  the  apprehension  of 
perpetual  danger." 

10  This  is  the  correct  date,  although  Alford  says  (Annal.  Eccl.  A.  D 
286}—  "  The  old  writer  of  St.  Alban's  life  pitches  upon  A.  D.  286  foi 
this  persecution  ;  and  a  MS.  copy  of  Bede,  which  he  had  met  with,  agrees 
with  that  time."  But  he  urges  further,  that  after  the  rebellion  of 
Carausius,  when  Constantius  was  made  Caesar,  the  provinces  beyond  the 
Alps  were  committed  to  him,  and  that  was  A.  D.  292  ;  and  if  there  were 
no  persecution  under  Constantius,  it  must  have  been  before  he  was 
Caesar. 

"While  some  workmen  were  repairing  the  abbey  of  St.  Albans,  in 
the  middle  of  the  thirteenth  century,  they  found  the  remains  of  some 
sheets  of  lead,  on  which  was  the  following  inscription  :  "  In  hoc  mausoleo 
inventum  est  venerabile  corpus  Sancti  Albani,proto  martyris  Auglorum." 

12  Offa,  the  son  of  Sighere,  was  a  comely  person  in  his  youth,  and 
celebrated  for  his  mental  acquirements.  He  reigned  eight  years  ;  and 
at  length,  out  of  a  fondness  for  a  religious  life,  he  forsook  his  throne, 
and  became  a  monk.  After  which  his  queen  took  the  vows  in  the  abbey 
of  Kineburg,  and  lived  a  secluded  life. 
2* 


28  A    DETECTION    OF    DR.    PLOT*S 

The  Emperor  Carausius  (under  whom  Alban  bore  great 
sway,  and  was  the  steward  of  his  household,  and  overseer 
or  surveyor  %of  his  works)  governed  the  empire  of  Britain 
with  an  upright  and  unstained  reputation  ;13  and,  above 
all,  was  a  very  great  encourager  of  learning  and  learned 
men,  and  improved  the  country  in  civil  arts;  was  a  man 
of  real  merit,  and  intended  to  have  established  an  empire 
in  Britain  ;  for  which  end  he  had  made  a  gr.eat  collection 
of  workmen,  and  other  artificers,  from  all  parts.  The 
people  enjoyed  perfect  peace  and  tranquillity  under  him 
for  several  years,  is  manifest  from  all  our  historians.14 
His  builders,  and  other  artificers,  were  employed  by  him 
in  very  large  bodies,  is  evident  from  different  writers ;  but 
in  particular  from  the  oration  of  Eumenius,  the  panegy- 
rist, setting  forth  what  great  numbers  of  Masons  had  then 
left  the  island — "  Even  your  city  of  Autun,"  says  he, 
most  devoted  to  your  service,  a-nd  in  whose  name  I  am 
especially  to  congratulate  you,  has  been  well'stored  with 
artificers  (architects  and  Masons)  since  your  victory  over 
the  Britons,  whose  provinces  abounded  with  them  ;15  and 

13  Some  say  that  Carausius  was  an  Irishman  of  humble  birth,  and 
advanced  himself  to  royalty  by  his  desperate  valour  and  daring  acts. 
Being  invested  by  Maximian  with  the  imperial  robe,  he  governed  the 
kingdom  with  an  uncorrupt  and  unstained  reputation,  and  was  at  length 
treacherously  slain  by  Alectus,  who  succeeded  him  in  the  government. 
Stukeley  makes  Carausius  a  native  of  St.  Davids  ;  but  from  the  three  ex- 
pressions  of  fclutropius,  Amelius  Victor,   and    Eumenius — "  Vilissime 
natus."  "  Batavias  alumnus,"  and  "  Menapise  civis,"  it  should  appear  that 
the  place  of  his  birth  is  very  doubtful. 

14  Guthrie's  Hist.  Eng.  v.  1,  p.  58. 

15  The  following   apocryphal  account  of  the  origin  of  Masonry  in 
Britain,  is  given  by  the  author  of  "  Multa  Faucis  for  the  Lovers  of 
Secrets,"  published  about  the  year  1763. — "A.M.  2974,  Ebrank,  king 
of  the  Trojan  race,  is  accounted  the  first  British  architect,  and  historians 
ascribe  to  him  the  building  of  the  cities  of  York  and  Edinburgh.     Bladud, 
who  flourished  A.  M.  31 00,  was  educated  at  Athens,  and  became  a  great 
mathematician  and  architect ;  and  upon  his  return  brought  with  him  four 
great  philosophers,  whom  he  placed  at  Stamlord,  making  that  town  a 
sort  of  university  ;  and  built  the  city  of  Bath.     In  A.  D.  42,  Claudius 
sent  Aulus  Piautius  into  Britain,  and  ordered  Ostorius  Scopula,  with 
other  Roman  architects,  to  build  many  forts  and  castles.     Afterwards 
Vespasian  sent  Julius  Agricola,  who  conquered  as  far  as  the  isthmus 
between  the  firths  of  Clyde  and  Forth,  and  fortified  the  same  against 
the  Picts.     Adrian  fenced  the  Eoman  province  in  Britain  with  rum- 
parts,  extending  from  Tynemouth  haven  to  Solway  firth  ;  A.  D.  131  Lud, 
the  first  Christian  king  of  Britain,  built  many  churches  and  religious 
houses.     In  the  following  century  Gordian  sent  many  architects  over, 


ACCOUNT    OF    THE    FREEMASONS.  29 

now,  by  their  workmanship,  the  same  city  of  Autun  rises 
in  splendour,  by  the  rebuilding  of  their  ancient  houses, 
erecting  public  works,  and  the  instauration  of  temples ; 
so  that  the  ancient  name  of  a  Roman  brotherhood,  which 
they  long  since  enjoyed,  is  again  restored,  by  having  your 
imperial  majesty  for  their  second  founder."  From  hence 
it  is  beyond  all  doubt,  that  the  reduction  of  Britain  occa- 
sioned many  excellent  artificers  to  go  over  to  the  Conti- 
nent, who  had  been  entertained  by  Carausius,16  and  had 
so  greatly  contributed  to  the  beauty,  convenience,  and 
magnificence  of  the  island,  that  Constantius  Chlorus 
chose  to  make  it  the  seat  of  his  empire.17 

The  story  of  Alban's  martyrdom  is  briefly  related  by 
Gildas ;  but  more  circumstantially  and  at  large  by 
venerable  Bede,  who  says,  that  he  being  yet  a  pagan  (or 
not  publicly  known  for  a  Christian)  entertained  the 
before-mentioned  Arnphibalus  in  his  house.  The  Roman 
governor  being  informed  that  he  harboured  a  Christian, 
sent  a  party  of  soldiers  to  apprehend  him  ;  but  Alban 
putting  on  the  habit  of  his  guest,  presented  himself  to 
the  officers  in  his  stead,  and  was  carried  before  the  magis- 
trate, where  he  conducted  himself  with  a  noble  and 
gallant  freedom,  which  immediately  brought  on  him  the 
punishment  already  related.  The  garment  of  Amphi- 
balus,  which  Alban  upon  this  occasion  put  on,  is  called 
by  Bede,  and  in  ancient  writers,  caracalla,  which  is  ren- 
dered by  the  Saxon  interpreter  of  Bede,  a  monkish  habit. 
This  caracalla  was  a  kind  of  cloak  with  a  cowl,  most 

who  constituted  themselves  into  lodges,  and  instructed  the  craftsmen  in 
the  true  principles  of  Masonry ;  and  a  few  years  later  Carausius  was 
made  emperor  of  the  British  isles,  and  being1  a  great  lover  of  art  and 
science,  appointed  Albanus  Grand  Master  of  Masons,  who  employed  the, 
fraternity  in  building  the  palace  at  Verulam,  or  St.  Albans." 

16  As  a  great  number  of  medals  of  Carausius  are  still  preserved,  he 
became  a  favourite  object  of  antiquarian  curiosity,  and  every  circum- 
stance of  his  life  and  actions  has  been  investigated  with  great  accuracy 
and  attention.  Dr.  Stukeley  has  devoted  a  large  volume  to  the  subject. 

"This  prince  is  described  as  being  va'iiant  and  wise,  arid  a  strict  friend 
to  the  Christians.  He  rejected  the  Polytheism  of  the  heathen,  and 
acknowledged  one  only  God,  the  Creator  and  Governor  of  the  world. 
To  try  the  temper  of  his  nobles,  he  proclaimed  a  sacrifice  to  the  gods,  to 
which  they  all  cheerfully  came,  out  of  compliment  to  the^  sovereign ;  but 
their  compliance  was  an  unfortunate  policy,  for  he  dismissed  them  with 
this  rebuke— that  he  who  is  disloyal  to  his  God,  can  never  be  faithful  to 
his  prince. 


30  A    DETECTION    OF    DR.    PLOT'S 

resembling  the  ephod  or  sacerdotal  vestment  of  the 
Jewish  priests.  Thomas  Walsingham  relates,  that  this 
garment  was  preserved  in  a  large  chest  in  the  church  of 
Ely,  which  was  opened  in  the  reign  of  Edward  II.,  A.  D. 
1814.  This  historian  says  farther,  that  it  was  the  same 
that  Alban  received  from  his  master  Amphibalus,  and  the 
same  in  which  he  suffered  death.  Thomas  Rudburu, 
who,  after  relating  what  Walsingharn  had  done  In-fore 
him,  and  both  of  at  least  equal  authority  with  Dr.  Plot, 
goes  farther,  and  says,  there  was  found  with  the  garment 
an  ancient  writing  in  these  words: — "  This  is  the  caracalla 
of  St  Ainphibalus  the  monk,  and  preceptor  of  St.  Alban  ; 
in  which  that  proto-martyr  of  England  suffered  death, 
under  the  cruel  persecution  of  Dioclesian  against  the 
Christians."18 

It  is  confessed  that  the  martyrdom  of  Amphibalus  is 
not  mentioned  by  Gildas,  Bede,  or  in  any  of  the  ancient 
martyrologies  ;  but  Matthew  Paris,  and  many  other 
historians,  vouch  the  matter  of  fact,  and  refer  to  a  book 
of  great  antiquity  in  the  monastery  of  St.  Alban.  As  to 
the  name  Amphibalus,  upon  which  Dr.  Plot  endeavours 
to  play,  it  must  be  owned  that  the  learned  Primate 
Usher  is  of  opinion,  that  it  was  not  the  real  name  of  St. 
Alban's  instructor,  but  more  properly  belonged  to  the 
caracalla  before-mentioned,  as  a/iytpaMeiv  signifies  in  the 
Greek  language  the  same  as  induere  or  accingere,  sc. 
vestem,  a  garment.19  Had  Dr.  Plot  been  as  modest  in 
his  judgment  as  the  learned  archbishop,  he  had  not  stept 
so  far  over  truth,  to  assert  that  many  learned  and  judi- 
cious were  of  opinion,  that  Amphibalus  was  rather  the 
cloak  than  master  of  St.  Alban,  when  no  author  of  any 
name  or  credit  had  mentioned  this  surmise,  save  Arch- 
bishop Usher,  and  he  only  as  a  probable  suggestion,  and 
not  what  he  had  any  true  grounds  to  believe.  It  is 

18  Historians,  speaking  of  the  effects  of  this  persecution  in  Britain,  say 
that  Christian   churches  were  everywhere  demolished,  the  sacred  books 
of  the  Christians  burned,  and  every  possible  means  used  to  root  out  the 
very  name  of  Christianity.     Amongst  the  martyrs  on  this  occasion  we 
find  Alban  of  Verulam,  who  was  beheaded  at  Holmhurst  ;  Amphibalus, 
his  friend  ;  Julius  and  Aaron  of  Oaerleon  ;  and  in  Lichfield  so  many,  that 
the  place  became  another  Golgotha,  and  was  named  from  the  field  of 
dead  bodies,  which  .is  still  emblazoned  on  the  city  seal. 

19  Usserii  Brit.  Kcelep.  Antiq.  p.  77. 


ACCOUNT    OF    THE    FREEMASONS.  31 

remarkable  that  not  only  the  Cathedftil  church  of  Win- 
chester,20 in  the  days  of  Coristantine,  but  many  other 
churches  were  dedicated  to  St.  Amphibalus,  the'  master 
of  St.  Alban  ;  many  authors,  of  the  greatest  credit  and 
authority,  speak  of  him  with  reverence  and  honour,  and 
especially  Johannes  Caius,21  who  informs  us  that  he  was 
born  at  Caer-Leon,  in  which  he  is  supported  by  several 
authors ;  and  also  that  he  was  rector  of  the  University  of 
Cambridge.  It  was  never  alleged  among  the  Masons,  or 
in  any  of  their  histories  of  the  craft,  that  Amphibalus, 
though  owned  a  worthy  brother,  was  the  instructor  of 
St.  Alban  in  any  other  respect  than  in  those  moral  and 
divine  subjects,  which  brought  about  the  conversion  of 
the  latter  to  the  Christian  faith  ;  so  that  the  discerning- 
doctor,  in  all  probability,  thought  that  Alban  could  not 
want  an  instructor,  except  in  the  art  of  building  ;22  and 
how  likely  that  was,  in  those  ignorant  and  barbarous 
times,  those  times  of  gross  darkness,  as  his  love  for  truth 
calls  the  day  (very  fitting  expressions  to  salve  his  own 
ignorance  and  vanity),  when  people  were  so  much 
deluded  as  to  be  converted  to  the  faith  of  Christ,  by 
thousands  and  tens  of  thousands;  must  be  submitted  to 
the  judgment  of  the  unprejudiced  reader,  with  this  farther 
remark,  that  Dr.  Plot  happens,  in  his  charitable  opinion, 
to  stand  alone,  not  having  one  historian,  great  or  small, 
credible  or  fabulous,  to  prop  his  flimsy  conjectures  with. 
Having  done  with  the  history  of  St.  Alban  and  Am- 
phibalus, the  Doctor  proceeds  to  the  story  of  Prince 
Edwin,  the  brother  of  King  Athelstari.23  In  this  he  deals 
as  ingenuously  as  in  the  former.  The  only  blemish  that 
the  historians  find  in  the  whole  reign  of  Athelstan,  is  the 
supposed  murder,24  or  putting  wrongfully  to  death  his 

30  Tanner's  Notitia  Monast.  folio,  p.  152. 

31  Hist.  Cantab.  L.  i.  pp.  24,  25. 

22  Alban  had  learned  the  art  of  building  in  Rome,  and  needed  no  fur- 
ther instruction  ;  for  he  had  been  received  into  the  Collegia  Fabrorum, 
and  brought  the  art  into  this  country,  which  was  called  Opus  Romanum, 
and  consisted  of  the  round  or  semicircular  arch,  commonly  called  Saxon. 

23  Athelstan  was  an  expert  Master  of  Masons,  and  brought  the  science 
of  architecture  to  some  perfection.     He  built  the  walls  and  towers  of 
Exeter  with  squared  stones,  which  were  little  used  before  his  time. 

34  The  title  of  this  monarch  is  said  to  have  been  attested  by  the  decision 
of  heaven,  One  of  his  nobles,  accused  of  having  disputed  his  right  to 
the  crown,  offered  to  prove  his  innocence  by  a  solemn  oath  in  the  presence 


<°>2  A    DETECTION    OF    DR.    PLOT'S 

brother,  Prince  Edwin,  which  is  in  itself  so  improbable, 
and,  all  things  considered,  so  -slenderly  attested,  that  it 
does  not  deserve  a  place  among  good  historians. 

The  excellent  writer  of  the  life  of  King  Athelstan,-5 
has  given  so  clear  and  so  perfect  a  view  of  this  event, 
that  the  reader  cannot  receive  greater  satisfaction  than 
in  that  author's  own  words. 

The  business  of  Edwin's  death  is  a  point  the  most 
obscure  in  the  story  of  this  king;  and,  to  say  the  truth, 
not  even  one  of  our  best  historians  hath  written  clearly, 
or  with  due  attention,  concerning  it.  The  fact,  as  com- 
monly received,  is  this  :  —  the  king  suspecting  his  younger 
brother  Edwin  of  designing  to  deprive  him  of  his  crown, 
caused  him,  notwithstanding  his  protestations  of  inno- 
cency,  to  be  put  on  board  a  leaky  ship,  with  his  armour- 
bearer  and  page.  The  young  prince,  unable  to  bear  the 
severity  of  the  weather,  and  want  of  food,  desperately 
drowned  himself;  some  time  after,  the  king's  cop-bearer, 
who  had  been  the  chief  cause  of  this  act  of  cruelty, 
happened,  as  he  was  serving  the  king  at  table,  to  trip 
with  one  foot,  but  recovering  himself  with  the  other, 
"  see,"  said  he  pleasantly,  "  how  brothers  afford  each 
other  help  ;"  which  striking  the  king  with  the  remem- 
brance of  what  himself  had  done,  in  taking  off  Edwin, 
who  might  have  helped  him  in  his  wars,  he  caused  that 
business  to  be  more  thoroughly  examined,  and  finding 
his  brother  had  been  falsely  accused,  caused  his  cup- 
bearer to  be  put  to  a  cruel  death,  endured  himself  seven 
years'  sharp  penance,  and  built  the  two  monasteries  of 
Middleton  and  Michelness,  to  atone  for  this  base  and 
bloody  fact.20  Dr.  Howell,  speaking  of  this  story,  treats 
it  as  if  very  indifferently  founded,  and,  on  that  account, 
unworthy  of  credit.27  Abbot  Brompton  tells  the  story 
at  large,28  and  after  him  most  of  the  later  writers,  as 
usual,  that  is,  with  an  addition  of  various  circumstances; 

of  the  pope  ;  a  test  which,  in  those  times,  was  deemed  of  such  supreme 
efficacy,  that  falsehood  was  always  punished  by  a  judicial  dispensation 
from  above.  Athelstan  accepted  the  appeal.  The  oath  was  administered. 
and  the  perjured  thane  was  seized  with  sudden  convulsions,  which  put  uu 
end  to  his  life. 


.  I3rit.  rol.  i.  p.  63. 
26  Speed's  Chronicle,  book  vii.  chap.  38. 
37  Gen.  Hist.  p.  4.  c.  2,  sec.  10.  »  Chron.  p.  838. 


ACCOUNT    OF    THE    FREEMASONS.  33 

so  that  it  cannot  be  said  this  story  is  without  foundation. 
Buchanan  hath  improved  it  very  happily ;  thus  it  runs 
in  his  writings  : — "  They,  that  is,  the  English  writers, 
make  this  Atlielstan  guilty  of  parricide,  in  killing  his 
father  and  his  two  brothers,  Edred  and  Edwin,  whose 
right  it  was  to  succeed  their  father  in  his  kingdom. 
Fame  increases  the  suspicion,  that  Edward  was  violently 
put  to  death,  because  it  attributes  to  him  the  title  of 
martyr."29  Buchanan  cites  no  authority  whatsoever  for 
this,  because,  indeed,  there  could  be  no  authority  cited. 
Whatever  he  did  by  Edwin,  most  certainly  Athclstan 
did  not  murder  Edred,  since  he  not  only  survived,  but 
succeeded  him  in  the  kingdom.  As  for  the  murder  of  his 
father,  that  is  the  pure  effect  of  Buchanan's  ignorance  ; 
he  mistook  Edward  the  Elder,  who  was  really  the  father 
of  Athelstan,  for  Edward  the  Martyr,  who  began  his 
reign  in  975,  that  is,  five-arid-thirty  years  after  Athelstan 
was  in  his  grave.  Such  is  the  accuracy,  such  the  inte- 
grity) of  this  writer.  In  like  manner  Rapin  gives  us  this 
story,  without  the  least  mark  of  doubt  or  hesitation  j30 
and  yet,  we  presume,  there  are  some  strong  reasons 
against  the  credit  of  this  whole  story,  and  still  stronger 
against  that  part  of  it  which  alleges  Edwin  to  have 
been  unjustly  put  to  death.  Simeon  of  Durham  and 
the  Saxon  Chronicle  say  no  more  than  that  Edwin  was 
drowned  by  his  brother's  command,  in  the  year  933.31 
Brompton  places  it  in  the  first,  or  at  farthest  in  the 
second  year  of  his  reign  ;  and  he  tells  us  the  story  of 
the  rotten  ship,  and  of  his  punishing  the  cup-bearer.32 
William  of  Malmsbury,  who  is  very  circumstantial,  says 
he  only  tells  us  what  he  heard;33  but  Matthew,  the 
flower-gatherer,34  stamps  the  whole  down  as  an  indubit- 
able truth.  Yet  these  discordant  dates  are  not  to  be 
accounted  for.  If  he  was  drowned  in  the  second,  he 
could  not  be  alive  in  the  tenth  year  of  the  king ;  the 
first  is  the  more  probable  date,  because  about  that  time 
there  certainly  was  a  conspiracy  against  King  Athelstan, 
in  order  to  dethrone  him,  and  put  out  his  eyes ;  yet  he 

39  Hist,  Soot.  lib.  vi.  E.  75. 

30  Histoire  d'Angleterre,  torn.  i.  p.  336. 

31  Simeon  Dunelm,  p.  154 ;  Chron.  Saxon,  p.  111. 

33  Chronicon.  p.  828.  33  Be  Goat.  R.  A.  lib.  ii. 

34  Matth.  Florileg. 


34  A    DETECTION    OF    DR.    PLOT'S 

did  not  put  the  author  of  it  to  death:33  It  is  likely,  then, 
that  he  should  order  his  brother  to  be  thrown  into  the 
sea  upon  bare  suspicion  ?  But  the  reader  must  remember, 
that  we  cite  the  same  historians,  who  have  told  us  this 
story,  to  prove  that  Athelstan  was  unanimously  acknow- 
ledged king,36  his  brethren  being  too  young  to  govern  ; 
one  would  think,  then,  they  could  not  be  old  enough  to 
conspire.  If  we  take  the  second  date,  the  whole  story  is 
destroyed;  the  king  could  not  do  seven  years'  penance, 
for  he  did  not  live  so  long ;  and  as  for  the  tale  of  the 
cup-bearer,  and  his  stumbling  at  the  king's  table,  the 
same  story  is  told  of  Earl  Godwin,  who  murdered  the 
brother  of  Edward  the  Confessor.  Lastly,  nothing  is 
clearer  from  history,  than  that  Athelstan  was  remarkably 
kind  to  his  brethren  and  sisters,  for  whose  sakes  he  lived 
single ;  and,  therefore,  one  would  think  his  brother  had 
less  temptation  to  conspire  against  him.37 

How  likely  is  Dr.  Plot's  whole  story  of  the  Pinnace 
and  the  Page,  compared  with  the  foregoing  ?  For  the 
probability  of  Edwin's  calling  the  Masons  together  at 
York,38  or  getting  them  a  charter,  it  need  but  be  remem- 


36  Malms.  1.  ii.  c.  6 ;  Spel.  Cone.  p.  407. 

36  Athelstan  is  styled  by  Alurcd  of  Beverley — "  Primus  Monarcha 
Anglorum."     And  he  is  right.     Egbert  laid  claim  to  this  honourable 
title,  but  without  just  grounds  ;  for  he  did  not  incorporate  with  his  own 
kingdom  those  of  Northumbria  and  East  Anglia ;  and  it  is  even  doubtful 
whether  he  had  the  undisputed  supremacy  of  Mercia.    And  Alfred,  highly 
as  his  virtues  and  talents  exalted  him  in  the  estimation  of  mankind,  was 
not  the  monarch  of  all  England,  although  in  his  fluctuating  reign  the 
glory  of  the  Anglo  Saxon  dynasty  began  to  shine  with  unveiled  effulgence ; 
because  he  only  silenced,  but  did  not  destroy  the  Danish  power  in  England. 
It  was  reserved  for  Athelstan  to  unite  the  whole  kingdom  under  one  head, 
by  the  annihilation  of  the  Danish  sovereignty,  and  thus  became  fairly 
entitled  to  the  distinction  of  its  first  monarch. 

37  He  was  succeeded  by  two  of  his  brothers  :  first  by  Edmund,  who  was 
murdered  by  Lcolf,  and  then  by  Edred.     Athelstan  passed  a  law  for  the 
encouragement  of  commerce,  which  displays  in  a  striking  manner  the 
superiority  of  his  ideas.     He  decreed  that  a  merchant  who  had  made 
three  long  and  successful  voyages  to  sea  on  his  own  account,  should  be 
admitted  to  the  rank  of  a  thane  or  gentleman. 

38  The  following  account,  taken  from  a  MS.  in  the  possession  of  Elias 
Ashmole,  gives  a  lucid  explanation  of  the  revival  of  Masonry  at  this 
period.     It  states,  "  that,  though  the  ancient  records  of  the  brotherhood 
in  England  were,  many  of  them,  destroyed,  or  lost  in  the  wars  of  the 
Saxons  and  Danes,  yet  King  Athelstan,  the  grandson  of  Alfred  the  Great, 
almighty  architect,  the  first  anointed  King  of  England,  and  who   trans- 
lated the  Holy  Bible  into  the  Saxon  tongue,  when  he  had  brought  ilia 


ACCOUNT    OF    THE    FREEMASONS.  35 

bered  that  Athelstan  kept  his  court  for  some  time  in 
that  city  ;  received  there  several  embassies  from  foreign 
princes,  and  presents  of  various  kinds,  both  rich  and 
costly,  from  different  parts  of  the  world  ;  and,  in  short, 
was  loved,  honoured,  and  admired,  by  all  the  princes  in 
Europe,  who  sought  his  friendship,  and  courted  his  alli- 
ance. To  all  his  brothers  and  sisters  he  was  remarkably 
kind,  indeed  a  father  to  them  ;  and,  from  that  his  fatherly 
care,  Prince  Edwin  has  been  by  many  ancient  Masons 
called  the  son  of  Athelstan  ;  a  thing  not  uncommon  in 
many  instances  for  ages  since  that.39  Moreover,  the 
activity  and  princely  conduct  of  Edwin  rendered  him 


land  into  rest  and  peace,  built  many  great  works,  and  encouraged  many 
Masons  from  France,  who  were  appointed  overseers  thereof,  and  brought 
with  them  the  charges  and  regulations  of  the  lodges,  preserved  since  the 
Roman  times ;  who  also  prevailed  with  the  king  to  improve  the  constitu- 
tion of  the  English  lodges  according  to  the  foreign  model,  and  to  increase 
the  wages  of  working  masons.  That  the  said  king's  brother,  Prince 
Edwin,  being  taught  Masonry,  and  taking  upon  him  the  charges  of  a 
Master  Mason,  for  the  love  he  had  to  the  said  craft,  and  the  honourable 
principles  whereon  it  is  founded,  purchased  a  free  charter  of  his  father 
for  the  Masons  to  have  a  correction  amongst  themselves,  as  it  was 
anciently  expressed,  or  a  freedom  and  power  to  regulate  themselves,  to 
amend  what  might  happen  amiss  within  the  craft,  and  to  hold  a  yearly 
communication  and  general  assembly.  That,  accordingly,  Prince  Edwin 
summoned  all  the  Masons  in  the  realm  to  meet  him  in  a  congregation  at 
York,  in  June,  A.  D.  926.  who  came  and  composed  a  general  or  Grand 
Lodge,  of  which  he  was  Grand  Master.  And,  having  brought  with  them 
all  the  old  writings  and  records  of  the  craft  extant,  some  in  Greek,  some 
in  Latin,  some  in  French  and  other  languages,  from  the  contents  thereof 
that  assembly  framed  the  constitutions  and  charges  of  an  English  lodge ; 
made  a  law  to  preserve  and  observe  the  same  in  all  time  coming,  and 
ordained  good  pay  for  the  working  masons." 

39  Dr.  Plot's  patron,  Ashmole,  gives  the  following  account  of  Masonry 
in  these  early  times  : — "  St.  Alban,  the  proto-martyr,  established  Masonry 
here ;  and  from  his  time  it  flourished  more  or  less,  according  as  the  world 
went,  down  to  the  days  of  King  Athelstan,  who,  for  the  sake  of  his 
brother  Edwin,  granted  the  Masons  a  charter.  Under  our  Norman 
princes  they  frequently  received  extraordinary  marks  of  royal  favour. 
There  is  no  doubt  to  be  made  that  the  skill  of  Masons,  which  was  always 
transcendantly  great,  even  in  the  most  barbarous  times,  their  wonderful 
kindness  and  attachment  to  each  other,  how  different  soever  in  condition ; 
and  their  inviolable  fidelity  in  keeping  religiously  their  secret,  must  expose 
them,  in  ignorant,  troublesome,  and  superstitious  times,  to  a  vast  variety 
of  adventures,  according  to  the  different  fate  of  parties,  and  other  altera- 
tions in  government.  By  the  way,  it  may  be  noted  that  the  Masons  were 
always  loyal,  which  exposed  them  to  great  severities  when  power  wore 
the  trappings  of  justice ;  and  those  who  committed  treason  punished  true 
men  as  traitors." 


36  A    DETECTION    OF    DR.    PLOT  S 

the  fittest  person  to  be  Grand  Master  of  the 
who  at  that  time  were  employed  in  very  great  numbers 
in  repairing  and  building  churches  and  other  edifices,  not 
only  in  the  city  of  York,  but  at  Beverly,40  and  other 
places,  which  had  but  lately  been  overthrown  and  level- 
led with  the  ground,  by  the  Danes  arid  other  invaders, 
till  Athelstan  became  Master  of  all,  who  supported  and 
propagated  the  royal  art  in  perfect  peace  and  security.41 
To  follow  the  doctor  in  his  good  will  for  the  ancient 
fraternity,  the  reader  must  know,  that  in  the  infancy  of 
King  Henry  VI.,  an  act  of  parliament  was  passed  to  pre- 
vent the  assemblies  of  Masons.42  The  reasons  for  this 

40  The  charter  of  Athelstan  to  the  church  at  Beverly,  ran  as  follows : — 

Yul  \vloii  ill  yrl  over  been 
Yat  vis  charier  heron  and  seen 
Yat  I  the  king  Athelstan 
Has  yaten  and  given  to  St.  John 
Of  Beverlike  oat  sai  I  you 
Tol  and  Tlieam  yat  wit  ye  now 
Sok  and  sake  over  al  yat  land 
Yat  is  given  into  his  hand 
On  ever  ilke  king's  dai 
Be  it  all  free  yan  and  ay,  &c. 

41  The  ancient  Masonic  MS.  of  the  tenth  century,  which  has  been 
published  by  Mr.  Halliwell,  thus  notices  Athelstan's  connection  with 
Freemasonry : — 

Thys  craft  com  ynto  England  as  y  you  say, 

Yn  tyme  of  good  kynge  Adelstonees  day  ; 

He  made  tho  bothe  halle  and  eke  bowre, 

And  hye  templus  of  great  honowre, 

To  sportyn  hym  yn  bothe  day  and  nyght, 

An  to  worschepe  hys  God  with  alle  hys  myght. 

Thys  goode  lorde  loved  thys  ful  wel  * 

And  proposud  to  strenthiyn  hyt  every  del ; 

For  dy vers  defawtys  that  yn  the  craft  he  foude, 

He  scnde  aboute  ynto  the  londe 

After  alle  the  masonees  of  the  crafte, 

To  come  to  hym  ful  evene  stragfte. 
This  was  the  origin  of  the  Grand  Lodge  in  England. 

42 1  subjoin  a  copy  of  this  act,  which  was  passed  in  the  third  year  of 
his  reign,  and  the  fourth  of  his  age  :— "  Masons  shall  not  confederate  in 
chapters  or  congregations.  Whereas  by  the  yearly  congregations  and 
confederacies  made  by  the  Masons  in  their  general  assemblies,  the  good 
course  and  effect  of  the  statutes  of  labourers  be  openly  violated  a;:-1! 
broken,  in  subversion  of  the  law,  and  to  the  great  damage  of  all  the 
commons.  Our  sovereign  lord  the  king,  willing  in  this  case  to  provide  a 
remedy  by  the  advice  and  consent  aforesaid,  and  at  the  special  request  of 
the  commons,  hath  ordained  and  established  that  such  chapters  and  con- 
gregations shall  not  be  hereafter  holdeu  ;  and,  if  any  such  be  made,  they 
that  cause  such  chapters  and  congregations  to  be  holden,  and  thereof 
convicted,  it  shall  be  adjudged  felony;  and  that  the  other  Masons  who 
come  to  such  chapters  and  congregations,  be  punished  by  prisonment  of 
their  bodies,  ual  make  line  and  ransom  at  the  king's  will." 


ACCOUNT    OF    THE    FREEMASONS.  37 

severe  treatment  are  very  obvious.  In  the  absence  of 
the  Duke  of  Bedford,  Regent  of  France,  all  the  regal 
power  was  vested  in  Humphrey,  Duke  of  Gloucester,  his 
brother,  protector  of  the  kingdom,  and  in  Henry  Beau- 
fort, Bishop  of  Winchester,  his  uncle,  guardian  to  the 
king  ;  who,  being  invested  with  power,  began  to  show 
his  pride  and  haughtiness  betimes,  and  to  support  him 
therein,  he  wanted  not  for  followers  and  agents  enough. 
In  the  parliament  held  at  Westminster,  the  17th  of 
November,  1423,  to  answer  a  particular  end,  it  was 
ordained  and  enacted,  that  if  any  person,  committed  for 
grand  or  petty  treason,  should  wilfully  break  prison  and 
escape  from  the  same,  it  should  be  deemed  petty-treason, 
and  his  goods  forfeited.43 

On  the  last  of  April,  1425,  the  parliament  met  at 
Westminster,  the  servants  and  followers  of  the  peers  and 
members  of  parliament  coming  thither  armed  with  clubs 
arid  staves,  which  occasioned  it  to  be  nick-named  "  the 
bat  parliament."  Among  other  laws,  an  act  passed  to 
abolish  the  society  of  Masons,14  or  at  least  to  prevent  the 
holding  their  yearly  congregations,  or  indeed  any  of  their 
assemblies.45  As  it  must  be  owned  that  their  meetings 

4:3  About  this  time  one  William  King,  of  Womulton,  in  Yorkshire,  ser- 
vant to  Sir  Robert  Scott,  Lieutenant  of  the  Tower,  pretended  that  he  was 
offered  by  Sir  John  Mortimer,  then  a  prisoner  in  the  Tower,  and  cousin 
to  the  lately  deceased  Edward  Mortimer,  Earl  of  March,  the  nearest  in 
blood  to  the  English  crown,  ten  pounds  to  buy  him  clothes,  forty  pounds 
a  year,  and  to  be  made  an  earl ;  that  Mortimer  would  raise  forty  thou- 
sand men,  and  would  strike  off  the  heads  of  the  rich  Bishop  of  Winchester, 
Gloucester,  and  others  ;  all  which  the  fellow  undertook  to  prove  by  his 
own  bodily  oath.  Soon  after  this,  they  let  Mortimer  walk  to  the  Tower- 
wharf,  and  then  ran  after  and  seized  him  for  breaking  prison ;  whereupon 
he  was  deemed  convict,  was  drawn  to  Tyburn,  there  hanged,  and  after- 
wards beheaded.  From  whose  death  there  arose  no  small  slander,  mur- 
murings,  and  discontent  amongst  the  people,  which  threatened  those  in 
power  with  fatal  consequences,  as  they  were  observed  to  spread,  not  only 
in  public,  but  in  private  meetings  and  secret  assemblies.  The  animosity 
between  the  uncle  and  nephew  became  every  day  more  formidable  than 
other. 

44  Statutes  of  the  realm,  vol.  ii.  p.  227.     Kym.  Feed.  vol.  v.  p.  670. 

45  Dr.  Anderson,  in  the  first  edition  of  the  Book  of   Constitutions, 
makes  the  following  observations  on  this  act : — "  This  act  was  made  in 
ignorant  times,  when  true  learning  was  a  crime,  and  geometry  condemned 
for  conjuration  ;  but  it  cannot  derogate  from  the  honour  of  the  ancient 
fraternity,  who,  to  be  sure,  would  never  encourage  any  such  confederacy 
of  their  working  Brethren.     By  tradition  it  is  believed  that  the  parliament 
were  then  too  much  influenced  by  the  illiterate  clergy,  who  were  not  Ac- 


38  A    DETECTION    OF    DR.  PLOT  S 

were  very  secret,  none  can  wonder  that  those  secret 
assemblies  gave  intolerable  displeasure  to  the  arrogant 
ambitious  priest,  who  no  doubt  thought  himself  ill-used 
by  any  person  daring  to  do  what  he  was  not  to  know.'6 
However,  none  of  them  were  seized  in  their  lodges,  or 
any  attempt  made  to  do  it,  the  cunning  prelate's  atten- 
tion being  diverted  another  way  ;47  for  on  the  morrow  of 
Simon  and  Jude's  day,  when  the  Mayor  of  London  had 
been  to  Westminster  to  take  his  charge,  when  at  dimu'r, 
he  was  sent  for  in  all  haste  by  the  Duke  of  Gloucester ; 
and  when  come  into  his  presence,  he  gave  him  com- 
mandment to  see  the  city  securely  watched  the  night 
following.  At  nine  of  the  clock  the  next  morning,  the 
Bishop  of  Winchester,  then  called  the  English  Popr, 
with  his  servants  and  followers,  would  have  entered  the 
city  by  the  bridge,  but  were  kept  back  by  force  ;  where- 
upon the  haughty  and  imperious  bishop,  being  enraged, 
gathered  a  great  number  of  archers,  and  other  men  at 
arms,  and  assaulted  the  gate  with  shot,  and  other  means 
of  war ;  so  that  the  citizens  directly  shut  their  shops, 


cepted  Masons,  uor  understood  architecture,  as  the  clergy  of  some  former 
ages,  and  were  generally  thought  unworthy  of  this  brotherhood.  Think- 
ing they  had  an  indefeasible  right  to  know  all  secrets,  by  virtue  of  auricu- 
lar confession,  and  the  Masons  never  conK'ssintr  anything  thereof,  tin*  said 
clergy  were  highly  offended  ;  and,  at  first,  suspecting  them  of  wicke<ln>-s, 
represented  them  as  dangerous  to  the  state  during  the  minority,  ai, 
influenced  the  parliament  to  lay  hold  of  such  supposed  arguments  of  the 
Working  Masons,  for  making  an  act  that  might  seem  to  reflect  dishonour 
upon  even  the  whole  fraternity,  in  whose  favour  several  acts  had  been 
before  and  after  that  period  made." 

46  They  held  these  secret  meetings  in  the  crypts  of  the  cathedrals,  which 
were  principally  intended  for  this  very  purpose,  as  a  transcript  of  the  >a- 
cred  valley ;  although  modern  writers  have  attributed  to  them  a  very  differ- 
ent use.     They  tell  us,  but  without  any  authority,  that  they  were  used 
for  the  celebration  of  masses  for  the  dead ;  and  are  always  excavated  im- 
mediately  under  the  choir,  as  the  most  holy  part  of  the  edifice.     The  fact 
is,  they  were  constructed  for  the  secret  assemblies  of  the  Freemasons,  who 
were  the  architects  and  designers  of  those  noble  edifices. 

47  Dallaway  thinks  that  the  penalties  were  evaded  by  the  proviso  which 
the  Master  Masons  insisted  upon  making  in  all  great  contracts,  that  the 
conditions  annexed  to  undue  performance  should  be  distinctly  specified. 
"  That  these  two  compulsory  acts  having  lain  totally  dormant,  is  a  mere 
assumption.     The  fixed  wages,  however,  were  considerably  higher  than 
those  of  any  other  mechanics ;  and  if  we  estimate  them  by  the  relative 
value  of  money  to  what  it  now  bears,  sufficiently  liberal.     Even  as  late 
as  Charles  the  Second's  time,  the  magistrates  set  an  assize  for  them  as 
for  other  artisans."  (History  of  Master  and  Freemasons,  p.  427.) 


ACCOUNT    OF    THE    FREEMASONS.  39 

and  went  to  the  bridge  in  great  numbers,  so  that  great 
bloodshed  would  have  followed,  had  not  the  wisdom  of 
the  mayor  and  aldermen  stayed  them  in  time.  The 
Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  with  Peter,  Duke  of  Co- 
nimbria,  eldest  son  of  the  King  of  Portugal,  and 
others,  took  great  pains  to  bring  the  uncle  and  nephew 
to  agreement ;  they  rode  eight,  some  say  ten,  times 
between  them,  before  they  could  in  anywise  succeed,  or 
bring  them  to  any  conformity  ;  and  at  last  they  agreed 
to  stand  to  the  award  of  the  'Duke  of  Bedford,  where- 
upon the  city  was  in  more  quiet  at  present.48  The 
bishop  lost  no  time  in  making  a  bad  cause  look  as  glossy 
as  possible,  and  wrote  the  Duke  of  Bedford  the  follow- 
ing letter  : — 

"  Right  high  and  mighty  prince,  and  my  right  noble 
and  after  one,  leiuest  lord.  I  recommend  me  unto  your 
grace  with  all  my  heart.  And  as  you  desire  the  welfare 
of  the  king  our  sovereign  lord,  and  of  his  realms  of  Eng- 
land and  France,  your  own  weal  with  all  yours,  haste 
you  hither:  for  by  my  troth,  if  you  tarry  long,  we  shall 
put  this  land  in  jeapourdy  with  a  field  ;  such  a  brother 
ye  have  here,  God  make  him  a  good  man.  For  your 
wisdom  well  knoweth  that  the  profit  of  France  standeth 
in  the  welfare  of  England,  &c.  The  blessed  Trinity 
keep  you.  Written  in  great  haste  at  London,  on  Allhal- 
lowen  Even,  the  31st  of  October,  1425, 

"  By  your  servant  to  my  live's  end, 

"  HENRY  WINCHESTER." 

This  tremendous  letter  made  the  Duke  of  Bedford 
hasten  the  affairs  of  France  ;  and  he  returned  to  London 
the  10th  of  January,  1425-6  ;  on  the  21st  of  February, 
he  held  a  great  council  at  St.  Albans,  adjourned  it  to 
Northampton  the  15th  of  March,  and  on  the  25th  of 
June  to  Leicester.  Bats  and  staves  were  again  in  use. 
but  those  being  prohibited,  the  followers  of  the  members 
of  parliament  came  with  stones  slung  and  plummets  of 
lead.49  Here  the  long  wished  for  peace  between  the 

48  Wolfe's  Chron. 

43  Dallaway  enter  tains  some  doubts  about  the  above  act  against  the 
Masons,  which  are  thus  stated  :— "  When  it  is  said  that  the  act  of  Henry 
VI.  was  passed  at  the  instigation  of  Cardinal  Beaufort,  and  that  the 
Bishops  Wykeham,  Waynflete,  and  Chicheley,  were  Grand  Masters,  I 
must  be  allowed  to  prefer  evidence  to  conjecture,  but  none  has  been  ad- 


40  A    DETECTION    OF    DR.    PLOT  S 

Duke  of  Gloucester  and  the  Bishop  of  Winchester,  to 
appearance  was  accomplished.  Gloucester  exhibited  six 
articles  against  the  bishop,  one  of  which  was  this  :  "  VI. 
That  the  Bishop  of  Winchester  had,  in  his  letter  to  the 
Duke  of  Bedford,  plainly  declared  his  malicious  purpose 
of  assembling  the  people,  and  stirring  up  a  rebellion 
in  the  nation,  contrary  to  the  king's  peace."5  The 
bishop's  answer  to  this  accusation  was,  "  That  he  never 
had  any  intention  to  disturb  the  peace  of  the  nation,  or 
raise  any  rebellion  ;  but  sfcnt  to  the  Duke  of  Bedford  to 
come  over  in  haste,  to  settle  all  things  that  were  preju- 
dicial to  the  peace;  and  though  he  had  indeed  written 
in  the  letter,  'That  if  he  tarried,  we  should  put  the  land 
in  adventure  by  a  field,  such  a  brother  ye  have  here,'  he 
did  not  mean  it  of  any  design  of  his  own,  but  concerning 
the  seditious  assemblies  of  masons,  carpenters,  tyleis, 
and  plaisterers,51  who,  being  distasted  by  the  last  act  of 
parliament  against  excessive  wages  of  those  trades,  had 
given  out  many  seditious  speeches  and  menaces  against 
the  great  men,  which  tended  much  to  rebellion ;  and  yet 


duced.  It  admits  of  a  doubt  whether  it  were  then  considered  as  author- 
ized by  ecclesiastical  constitutions,  that  its  most  eminent  members  could 
have  presided  as  Grand  Masters,  and  have  been  associated  with  the  mys- 
terious brotherhood ;  or  that  they  could  have  been  so  without  the  pre- 
scribed initiation.  If  authentic  documents  were  ever  in  the  archives  of 
the  fraternity,  a  modern  enquirer  would  seek  for  them  in  vain.  But  if 
the  mysteries  of  the  Brotherhood  are  considered  to  be  sacred,  why  is  their 
true  history  concealed?"  (Dallaway,  ut  supra.,  p.  428.)  1  answer,  the 
history  has  never  been  concealed  ;  and  as  to  the  former  objection,  we  have 
a  right  to  conclude  from  analogy,  that  not  only  was  their  admission  law- 
ful, but  that  they  had  been  regularly  initiated. 

60  It  is  a  singular  fact,  that  during  the  commotions  between  the  houses 
of  York  and  Lancaster,  and  their  adherents,  so  prejudicial  to  the  progress 
of  the  arts  of  civilization,  architecture  in  England  flourished  in  a  great 
degree.  The  superior  ecclesiastics  were  confined  to  their  cloisters,  as  il-\v  of 
them  had  taken  an  active  part  in  the  dispute ;  and  some  of  the  fairest, 
structures  which  remain,  arose  in  consequence  of  wealth  accumulated  by 
instigating  the  noble  and  affluent  to  contribute  to  the  g-eneral  emulation 
of  splendid  churches,  built  under  their  own  inspection. 

51  The  following  is  a  proof  of  the  estimation  and  rank  which  a  Master 
Mason  held  in  society  in  the  fifteenth  century.  The  Abbot  of  St.  Edmunds- 
bury,  in  the  year  1439,  contracted  with  John  Wood,  a  Master  Mason. 
for  the  repairs  and  restoration  of  the  great  bell  tower,  "  in  all  manere  of 
tliynges  that  longe  to  Fr  >emasounry  ;  and  to  have  borde  for  hiniselfe  as  a 
gentilman,  and  his  servant  as  a  yeoman,  and  thereto  two  robys,  one  for 
himselfe  after  a  gentilmanys  livery.  Wages  of  masons,  3s.  a  man  weekly 
in  winter,  and  3s.  4d.  in  summer."  (Archaeol.  vol.  xxiii.  p.  331.) 


ACCOUNT    OF    THE     FREEMASONS.  41 

the  Duke  of  Gloucester  did  not  use  his  endeavour,  as  he 
ought  to  have  dono  in  his  place,  to  suppress  such  unlaw- 
ful assemblies,52  so  that  he  feared  the  king  and  his  good 
subjects  must  have  made  a  tield  to  withstand  them  ;  to 
prevent  which,  he  chiefly  desired  the  Duke  of  Bedford  to 
come  over."  The  falsehood  of  this  charge  of  the 
bishop's  against  the  Masons  is  so  self-evident,  that  it 
would  be  injuring  the  candid  reader  to  suggest  it  in  the 
least  doubtful,  except  any  can  imagine  that  the  lord 
mayor,  aldermen,  and  commons  of  London,  were  the 
Masons  that  he  had  decreed  for  destruction.  As  he  had 
begun,  so  he  never  abated  of  his  malice  against  the 
Duke  of  Gloucester  till  he  had  accomplished  his  ruin  ; 
but  being  too  sensible  his  actions  were  riot  to  be  justi- 
fied by  the  laws  of  the  land,  he  prevailed  with  the  king, 
through  the  intercession  of  the  parliament,  whom  his 
riches  had  made  his  tools,  to  grant  him  letters  of  pardon 
for  all  offences  by  him  committed,  contrary  to  the  sta- 
tute of  provisors,  and  other  acts  of  praemunire.53  Five 
years  after  this,  he  procured  another  pardon,  under  the 
great  seal,  for  all  sorts  of  crimes  whatever,  from  the 
creation  of  the  world  to  the  26th  of  July,  1437. 

Notwithstanding  all    the  cardinal's   precautions,   the 
Duke  of  Gloucester,  in  1442,  drew  up  articles  of  im- 

62  The  Masons,  however,  continued  to  hold  their  meetings  unmolested, 
and  a  record  of  the  period  says  : — "  The  company  of  Masons,  being  other- 
wise  termed  Freemasons,  of  ancient  standing,  and  good  reckoning,  by 
means  of  affable  and  kind  meetings,  diverse  times,  and  as  a  loving  Brother- 
hood use  to  do,  did  frequent  this  mutual  assembly  in  the  time  of  King 
Henry  the  Sixth,  in  the  twelfth  year  of  his  most  gracious  reign  ;  when 
Henry  was  thirteen  years  of  age,  A.  D.  1434.''  And  the  said  record  de- 
scribing a  coat  of  arms,  much  the  same  with  that  of  the  London  Company 
of  Freemasons,  it  is  generally  believed  that  the  said  company  is  descended 
of  the  ancient  fraternity  :  and  that  in  former  times  no  man  was  made  free 
of  that  company  until  he  was  installed  in  some  lodge  of  Free  and  Accepted 
Masons,  as  a  necessary  qualification.  So  that  before  the  troubles  of  this 
unfortunate  king, .the  Masons  were  everywhere  in  great  esteem,  and 
much  employed  ;  for  the  above  record  says  further  : — "  That  the  charges 
and  corrections  of  the  Freemasons  have  been  seen  and  perused  by  our 
late  sovereign  King  Henry  the  Sixth,  and  by  the  lords  of  his  most  hon- 
ourable council,  who  have  allowed  them,  and  declared  that  they  be  right, 
good,  and  reasonable  to  be  holden,  as  they  have  been  drawn  out  and 
collected  from  the  records  of  ancient  times,"  &c. 

68  Horace  said  that  in  his  time 

Jura  inventa  metu  injusti  fateare  necesse  est, 
Tempora  si  fastosque  veils  evolvere  mundi. 


42  A    DETECTION    OF    DR.    PLOT*S 

peachment  against  him,  and  presented  them  with  his 
own  hands  to  the  king,  desiring  that  judgment  might 
pass  upon  him  according  to  his  crimes.  The  king  refer- 
red the  matter  to  his  council ;  but  they  being  most  eccle- 
siastical persons,  favoured  the  cardinal ;  so  that,  grown 
weary  with  their  delays  and  underhand  dealings,  he 
dropped  the  prosecution,  and  the  cardinal  escaped. 

The  wickedness  of  his  life,  and  his  mean,  base,  and 
unmanly  behaviour  in  the  article  of  death,  will  ever  be 
a  bar  against  any  vindication  of  him  for  the  good  he  did, 
or  the  money  he  left  behind  him.  When  dying,  he  utter- 
ed these  mean  expressions :  "  Why  should  1  die,  that  have 
so  much  wealth  V  If  the  whole  kingdom  would  save  my 
life,  I  am  able  by  my  policy  to  get  it,  or  by  my  money 
to  buy  it.  Will  not  death  be  bribed,  nor  money  do  any- 
thing!" The  inimitable  Shakspenre,  after  giving  a  most 
horrible  picture  of  despair  and  a  tortured  conscience,  in 
the  person  of  the  cardinal,  introduces  King  Henry  to 
him  with  these  sharp  and  killing  words  : — 

Lord  Cardinal,  if  thou  think'st  on  heaven's  bliss, 

Lift  up  thy  hand,  make-  signal  of  that  hope. 

(He  dies  and  makes  no  sign.)  (Hen.  VI.,  Act  III.) 

Sovereign  authority  being  vested  in  the  Duke  of 
Gloucester,  as  Protector  of  the  Realm,  the  execution  of 
the  laws,  and  all  that  related  to  the  civil  magistrate 
centred  in  him.  Had  it  not  been  so,  the  Masons  had 
certainly  been  most  severely  punished,  as  a  load  of  infa- 
my,54 and  holding  unlawful  assemblies,  had  been  charged 
upon  them,  and  a  law  made  against  them  by  the  Bishop 
of  Winchester  and  his  creatures  ;  which,  however,  they 
never  could  get  executed,  as  the  protector  well  knew 

54  The  Masons  of  this  period  were  men  of  very  superior  talent  ;  us 
witness,  amongst  many  other  superb  edifices,  the  construction  of  King's 
College  Chapel  at  Cambridge,  of  which  Sir  Christopher  Wren  is  reported 
to  have  said  that  it  was  beyond  his  comprehension  ;  but  that  if  any  per- 
son would  describe  to  him  where  the  first  stone  should  be  placed,  he 
would  then  be  enabled  to  effect  it.  The  merit  of  being  the  designer  of 
this  superb  edifice  seems  to  be  assignable  to  Nicholas  Klaus,  Bishop  of 
Lichfield,  who  had  been  entrusted  with  the  chief  management  of  the 
works.  Hearne,  however,  tells  us  that  he  was  assisted  by  his  lather,  who 
was  a  Flemish  architect.  The  three  Master  Masons  who  constructed  it 
were,  John  Woolrich,  John  Wastcll,  and  Henry  Semerk.  The  latter  is 
styled  "  oon  of  the  Wardens  of  the  kynge's  works  at  the  College  Koyal 
at  Cambridge."  (Britton.  Arch.  Antiq.,  vol.  i.,  p.  12.) 


ACCOUNT    OF    THE    FREEMASONS.  43 

them  not  to  be  blarneable,  nor  in  any  respect  aggressors, 
except  in  holding  their  assemblies  in  the  same  secret 
manner  they  had  done  in  all  ages,  without  meddling 
with  any  affairs  of  civil  policy.  As  the  Masons  were 
under  the  lash  of  an  act  of  parliament,'55  then  recent  in 
the  mind  of  every  one,  the  bishop  very  kindly  transfer- 
red the  charge  of  rebellion,  sedition,  and  treason,  upon 
them,  though  it  is  most  apparent  that  himself  and  his 
followers  were  the  first  to  disturb,  as  well  as  to  break 
the  public  peace,  and  kindle  the  flames  of  civil  discord, 
and  whom  no  reasonable  concessions  could  satisfy ;  his 
ambition  being  to  surmount  all  others,  both  in  honour 
and  dignity,  howsoever  unworthily  accomplished. 

The  renowned  Protector  Humphry,  Duke  of  Glouces- 
ter, our  most  worthy  and  princely  Brother,  made  King 
Henry  a  Mason  in  the  year  1441, *  or,  as  some  think, 
1442 ;  and  many  lords  of  the  court  followed  his  exam- 
ple ;57  for  at  that  time  he  was  greatly  beloved  of  the 

65  The  severe  edict  passed  against  the  society  at  this  time,  and  the  dis- 
couragement given  to  the  Masons  by  the  Bishop  of  Winchester  and  his 
party,  induced  Henry  VI.,  in  his  riper  years,  to  make  a  strict  scrutiny 
into  the  nature  of  the  masonic  institution  ;  which  was  attended  with  the 
happy  circumstance  of  gaining  his  favour  and  his  patronage.     Had  not 
the  civil  commotions  in  the  kingdom  during  his  reign  attracted  the  notice 
of  government,  this  act  would  probably  have  been  repealed  through  the 
intercession  of  the  Duke  of  Gloucester,  whose  attachment  to  the  fraternity 
was  conspicuous. 

66  The  following  letter,  from  the  celebrated  and  learned  John  Locke  to 
the  Earl  of  Pembroke,  will  throw  some  light  upon  this  subject : — 

May  6,  1696. 

"  My  Lord — I  have  at  length,  by  the  help  of  Mr.  Collins,  procured  a 
copy  of  that  MS.  in  the  Bodleian  Library  which  you  were  so  curious  to 
see ;  and  in  obedience  to  your  lordship's  commands,  I  herewith  send  it  to 
you.  Most  of  the  notes  annexed  to  it,  are  what  I  made  yesterday  for  the 
reading  of  my  Lady  Masham,  who  is  become  so  fond  of  Masonry,  as  to 
say  that  she  now  more  than  ever  wishes  herself  a  man,  that  she  might  be 
capable  of  admission  into  the  fraternity.  The  MS.  of  which  this  a  copy, 
appears  to  be  about  one  hundred  and  sixty  years  old  ;  yet  (as  your  lord 
ship  will  observe  by  the  title)  it  is  itself  a  copy  of  one  yet  more  ancient 
by  about  one  hundred  years ;  for  the  original  is  said  to  have  been  the 
hand-writing  of  King  Henry  VI.  Where  that  prince  had  it  is  at  present 
an  uncertainty ;  but  it  seems  to  me  to  be  an  examination  (taken  perhaps 
before  the  king)  of  some  one  of  the  Brotherhood  of  Masons,  among  whom 
he  entered  himself,  as  it  it  said,  when  he  came  out  of  his  minority,  and 
thenceforth  put  a  stop  to  a  persecution  that  had  been  raised  against 
them." 

67  It  was  ordained  during  this  reign,  as  appears  by  an  ancient  masonic 
MS.,  that  kings  and  other  male  sovereigns  are  Grand  Masters  during  life, 

3 


44  A    DETECTION    OF    DR.  PLOT  8 

king,  which  increased  the  Cardinal  of  Winchester's  in- 
veteracy so  much,  that  it  was  resolved  to  take  away  his 
life.  He  accordingly  felt  the  first  fatal  blow  of  the  de- 
stroying angel,  sent  to  punish  England  and  extirpate  her 
nobility. 

The  duke  had  always  been  a  brave  opposer  of  all 
things  detrimental  to  the  public  good  ;  and,  indeed,  the 
only  man  who,  by  his  prudence,  as  well  as  the  authority 
of  his  birth  and  place,  had  hindered  an  absolute  sove- 
reign power  from  being  vested  in  the  king's  person  ; 
which  instance  alone  enabled  Winchester  to  gain  over 
many  who,  on  that  account  only,  were  wrought  upon  to 
concur  in  his  ruin  ;  though  thereby  they  threw  open  the 
flood-gates  that  overwhelmed  them  all  in  a  deluge  of 
blood.  His  duchess  had  been  convicted  of  sorcery  and 
witchcraft,  and  afterwards  charged  with  treason.  She 
was  put  to  public  penance  in  London  for  three  days, 
with  extraordinary  shame  to  her  person,  and  then  impri- 
soned for  life.58  The  protector,  being  provoked  with 
such  repeated  insults  offered  to  his  wife,  made  a  noble 
and  stout  resistance  to  their  most  abominable  and  shame- 
less proceedings,  which  directly  brought  on  his  own  de- 
struction ;  for  on  the  second  day  of  the  sessions  of  par- 

and  appoint  a  deputy,  or  approve  of  his  election,  to  preside  over  the  fra- 
ternity, with  the  title  and  honours  of  Grand  Master  ;  but  if  the  sever 
is  a  female,  or  not  a  Brother ;  or  a  minor  under  a  regent  who  is  not  a 
Brother ;  or  if  the  male  sovereign,  or  the  regent,  though  a  Brother,  is  neg- 
ligent of  the  craft,  then  the  old  grand  officers  may  assemble  the  Grand 
Lodge  in  due  form  to  elect  a  Grand  Master,  but  not  during  life,  only  lie 
may  be  annually  re-chosen  while  he  and  they  think  fit. 

**  This  was  a  most  shameful  transaction.  It  was  pretended,  says  Hume, 
that  there  was  found  in  her  possession  a  waxen  figure  of  the  king,  which 
she  and  her  associates,  Sir  Roger  Bolingbroke,  a  priest,  and  one  Margery 
Jordan,  of  Eye,  melted  in  a  magical  manner  before  a  slow  fire,  with  an 
intention  of  making  Henry's  force  and  vigour  waste  away  by  like  insensi- 
ble degrees.  The  accusation  was  well  calculated  to  affect  the  weak  and 
credulous  mind  of  the  king,  and  to  gain  belief  in  a  ignorant  age  ;  and  the 
duchess  was  brought  to  trial  with  her  confederates.  The  nature  of  this 
crime,  so  opposite  to  all  common  sense,  seems  always  to  exempt  the 
accusers  from  observing  the  rules  of  common  sense  in  their  evidence. 
The  prisoners  were  pronounced  guilty ;  the  duchess  was  condemned  to  do 
public  penance,  and  to  suffer  perpetual  imprisonment,  but  the  others  were 
executed.  But  as  these  violent  proceedings  were  ascribed  solely  to  the 
malice  of  the  duke's  enemies,  the  people,  contrary  to  their  usual  practice 
in  such  marvellous  trials,  acquitted  the  unhappy  sufferers,  and  increased 
their  esteem  and  affection  towards  a  prince  who  was  thus  exposed,  with- 
out protection,  to  those  mortal  injuries. 


ACCOUNT    OF    THE    FREEMASONS.  45 

liament,  held  at  St.  Edmiiiidsbury,  1447,  he  was  arrested 
for  high  treason,  and  the  next  day  basely  and  shamefully 
murdered.  Five  of  his  servants  being  condemned  to  be 
hanged,  drawn  and  quartered,  the  Marquis  of  Suffolk, 
through  a  mean  and  pitiful  affectation  of  popularity, 
brought  them  pardons,  arid  saved  their  lives,  after  they 
had  been  hanged,  cut  down  alive,  stripped  naked,  and 
marked  with  a  knife  to  be  quartered.  By  a  pardon 
granted  to  one  of  his  servants,  may  be  seen  the  pretence 
made  use  of  for  committing  the  murder;  that  he  was 
one  of  the  many  traitors  who  came  with  the  Duke  of 
Gloucester  to  destroy  the  king  and  parliament,  and  set 
his  wife  Eleanor  at  liberty.59 

So  fell  this  great  prince,  doubly  murdered  in  his  per- 
son and  reputation.  His  death  was  universally  lamented 
by  the  whole  kingdom,  from  whom  he  had  long  obtained, 
and  well  deserved,  the  surname  of  "  Good  ;"  for  he  was 
a  lover  of  his  country,  a  friend  to  good  men,  the  saviour 
of  the  Masons,  a  protector  of  the  learned,  himself  one, 
and  so  great  an  encourager  of  them,  that  he  built  the 
Divinity  Schools  at  Oxford,  and  a  public  library  there  — 
works  worthy  of  everlasting  memorial.60  His  opinions 

69  The  true  reason  why  the  Masons  were  objects  of  jealousy  to  the  party 
then  in  power  was,  because  their  superior  talents  caused  them  to  be  sus- 
pected, like  the  unfortunate  duchess,  of  sorcery  and  witchcraft  ;  which  was 
rendered  more  probable  by  the  practice  of  secresy.  And  this  is  not  to 
be  wondered  at  in  such  a  dark  age,  when  the  genuine  principles  of  science 
were  little  understood,  except  by  the  Freemasons.  "  Gothic  architecture/' 
says  Bardwell,  (Temples,  p.  3,  n.)  "  has  always  the  charm  of  mystery  ;  it 
does  not  exhibit  itself  naked  and  bare  like  a  Greek  temple  perched  on  a 
rock;  but  it  appeals  to  the  imagination,  veiled  itself  with  walls,  and 
screens,  and  towers  ;  inducing  fancy  to  supply  the  deficiencies  of  the  ma- 
terial science.  It  delights  in  bold,  striking,  and  picturesque  irregularities, 
and  always  appears  larger  than  its  actual  dimensions  ;  the  mouldings,  the 
pillars,  and  the  arches,  always  create  receding  shadows,  and,  to  the  eye, 
the  idea  of  space  arises  from  the  succession  of  shadows  and  multitudinous 
parts  of  unequal  dimensions,  just  as  the  conception  of  time  results  from 
the  conception  of  ideas." 

00  This  prince  is  said  to  have  received  a  better  education  than  was  usual 
in  his  age,  to  have  founded  one  of  the  first  public  libraries  in  England, 
and  to  have  been  a  great  patron  of  learned  men.  Among  other  advan- 
tages which  he  reaped  from  this  turn  of  mind,  it  tended  much  to  cure  him 
of  credulity  ;  of  which  the  following  instance  is  given  by  Sir  Thomas 
More. 
he  had 


worn  by  persons  of  his  retinue.    The  man  told  them  very  readily.   "  Yor 


46  A    DETECTION    OF    DIl.  PLOT'S 

in  policy  do  him  no  less  honour;  his  judgment  and  views 
concerning  the  French  dominions  were  silwnys  thwarted 
and  rendered  abortive  by  the  Bishop  of  Winchester  mid 
his  faction,  who  would  hear  of  nothing  but  peace,  thou-n 
on  the  most  unworthy  and  abject  terms,  which  ended  in 
the  loss  of  the  whole  kingdom  of  France ;  to  which  the 
heroic  and  gallant  duke,  nicely  insisting  on  the  honour, 
majesty,  and  glory  of  the  English  name,  was  a  profiled 
enemy.  His  infernal  persecutor,  the  hypocritical  bishop, 
lived  but  two  months  after  him ;  and  then  went  down 
to  his  place  with  all  the  daggers  of  divine  vengeance 
sticking  in  his  heart,  as  has  already  been  related.  The 
memory  of  the  wicked  shall  rot,  but  the  unjustly  per- 
secuted shall  be  had  in  sweet  and  everlasting  remem- 
brance. 

It  has  been  already  said  that  King  Henry  w  as  made  a 
Mason;61  and  by  what  follows,  it  will  be  found  that  he 
was  very  intent  upon  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  royal 
art;  and  how  doubtful  soever  this  event  might  appeal 
to  Dr.  Plot,  it  is  supported  with  such  undeniable  te>ti- 
monies  as  will  effectually  overthrow  all  his  impossibilities. 
No  doubt  but  every  reader  will  feel  some  satisfaction  in 
looking  over  this  antique  relation,62  though  none  more  so 
than  the  true  and  faithful  Brother,  in  observing  the  glim- 
mering conjectures  of  an  unenlightened  person,  upon  the 
fundamental  principles,  history,  and  traditions  of  the 
royal  art,  though  a  philosopher  of  as  great  merit  and 
penetration  as  this  nation  ever  produced.63 

are  a  knave,"  said  the  prince ;  '•  for  if  you  had  been  born  blind,  you 
"could  not  distinguish  colours;"  and  immediately  ordered  him  to  be  si-t  in 
the  stocks  as  an  impostor. 

61  One  of  the  first  acts  of  the  ill-fated  Henry  VI.,  after  ho  had  tak.-,« 
the  government  into  his  own  hands,  was  the  foundation  of  two  magnifies 
colleges  at  Cambridge  and  Eton.     His  chief  counsellor,  with  whom  thi-si- 
plans  were  consulted,  was  William  of  Wayuflete,  Grand  MasU-r  of  .Ma- 
sons ;  and  he  charged  the  Duchy  of  Lancaster  with  a  payment  of  2U(M)/. 
a  year  for  twenty  years,  towards  their  erection. 

62  The  contents  of  the  MS.  are  purposely  omitted,  because  they  are 
already  familiar  to  every  Brother  who  cares  anything  about  the  institu- 
tion ;  having  been  published  in  the  Gentleman's  Magazine,  the  Ahiman 
Rezon,  and  by  Hutchinson,  Preston,  and  many  other  masonic  writers  :  and 
its  authenticity  is  attested  in  the  Life  of  Lelaud. 

63  The  philosopher  here  referred  to  is  the  celebrated  John  Locki-. 
letter  to  the  Earl  of  Pembroke  we  have  just  seen,  and  whose  annotations 
on  this  ancient  document  have  been  the  delight  of  evu-y  Mason  who  h;^ 


ACCOUNT    OF    THE    FREEMASONS.  47 

From  all  that  has  been  said,  it  will  appear  beyond 
doubt  that  Dr.  Plot's  charge  against  the  Masons  was 
principally  of  his  own  invention,  as  everything  that  he 
has  advanced,  touching  the  falsehood  or  incoherency  of 
their  history,  either  has  not  the  least  probability  of  truth, 
and  which  he  must  with  design  have  misrepresented,  or 
what  he  could  not  by  any  means  perfectly  know  to  be 
true  ;  and  if  every  part  of  his  history  is  no  better  founded 
than  this,  a  greater  imposition  was  never  offered  to  man- 
kind under  so  sanctified  and  sleek  a  garb.64  He  either 
wanted  the  ability,  or  was  too  indolent  to  make  a  nice 
scrutiny  into  the  history  of  his  own  country;  for  what  he 
offers  at,  seems  rather  to  be  what  he  wished  than  what 
could  be  proved  from  facts.65  The  barbarous  age,  that 
his  ignorance  calls  the  time  of  St.  Alban,  was,  in  every 
respect,  the  reverse.  The  great  probability,  nay,  cer- 
tainty, of  his  being  a  surveyor  over  works  when  thousands 
of  workmen  were  employed,  and  he  the  most  capable  of 
the  service,  is  obvious.  The  story  of  the  cloak  and  tutor, 
though  the  doctor  and  his  judicious  persons  might  think 
St.  Cloak  and  St.  Amphibalus  to  be  the  very  same ;  yet 
here  the  current  runs  strongly  against  them,  what  affinity 
soever  they  might  suggest  to  be  between  the  one  and  the 
other.  Indeed,  none  other  than  some  of  Dr.  Plot's  bar- 
barians could  possibly  have  dedicated  a  cathedral-church 
to  a  cloak,  within  a  few  years  of  the  death  of  St.  Al ban's 
tutor,  when  there  must  have  been  great  numbers  of 
Christians  alive  who  personally  knew'him. 

had  the  good  fortune  to  peruse  them ;  and  though  he  was  not  at  that 
time  a  member  of  the  fraternity,  he  seems  to  have  taken  a  very  correct 
view  of  the  system ;  and  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  after  his  initiation 
he  would  find  his  views  confirmed. 

64  These  remarks  are  rather  too  severe.  The  doctor  neither  wanted 
talents  nor  industry.  His  besetting  fault  was  credulity.  He  oelieved 
everything  that  was  told  him,  without  examining  the  credibility  of  his 
authority ;  and  hence  he  fell  into  all  the  absurd  errors  which  deform  his 
book. 

*  The  age  was  not  barbarous,  because  the  chief  persons  in  Britain  sent 
their  sons  to  Rome  for  education.  Besides,  the  Druids,  who  swayed  the 
destinies  of  the  people,  were  learned  and  polite.  They  taught  the  liberal 
sciences,  and  particularly  astronomy  ;  for  at  the  irruption  of  Cesar,  they 
had  divided  the  heavens  into  constellations,  and  were  conversant  with  the 
laws  and  motions  of  the  planets.  Their  botanical  knowledge  was  exten- 
sive, and  they  are  said  to  have  been  the  best  anatomists  at  that  time 
existing  in  the  world.  The  poetry  of  the  bards  has  been  the  subject  of 
high  commendation. 


48  A    DETECTION    OF    DR.   PLOTTS 

The  history  of  Prince  Edwin  is  sufficiently  cleared  up 
to  show  the  doctor  a  mean  follower  of  the  legendary 
writers,  and  to  have  carefully  gleaned  up  every  little 
circumstance  that  his  malice  could  furnish  him  with 
against  the  Masons,  who,  it  seems,  merited  his  highest 
displeasure.  Whether  the  Masons  were  concerned  in 
any  seditious  practices,  or  Henry  VI.  and  his  council 
should  see  and  procure,  or  approve  the  charges  and  man- 
ners, or  himself  and  many  nobles  of  his  court  should  have 
been  made  Masons,  must  rest  upon  what  has  already 
been  offered  ;  and  as  the  doctor  thinks  the  last  event  the 
most  improbable  circumstance  of  all,  the  Masons  will 
readily  give  up  all  the  doctor's  conjectures  for  indubitable 
truths  upon  the  proof  of  this  being  false. 

The  doctor  did  not  intend  to  leave  the  Masons  to  enjoy 
their  falsehoods  quietly,  or  to  leave  them  in  the  midst  of 
their  errors,  but  to  bring  them  to  open  shame  and  pun- 
ishment ;  not  for  their  fabulous  history,  but  for  their 
wicked  and  secret  practices.  "  For,"  says  he,  "  it  is  still 
to  be  feared  these  chapters  of  Freemasons  do  as  much 
mischief  as  before,  which,  if  one  may  estimate  by  the 
penalty,  was  anciently  so  great,  that  perhaps  it  might  be 
useful  to  examine  them  now."66  Such  was  this  Christian 
doctor's  candour  and  charity,  such  his  detestation  of  per- 
secution;  but  it  must  be  remembered  that  he  wrote  at  a 
time  when  it  was  fashionable  to  decry  anything  that 
looked  like  a  secret  assembly,  lest  matters  disagreeable  to 
some  might  there  be  canvassed — when  their  liberty  and 
religion  were  both  openly  attacked  by  the  government, 
and  the  doctor  more  a  man  of  mode  than  to  cut  his  coat 
contrary  to  the  court  fashion.67  All  the  doctor's  laboured 

66  But  even  Eobison  admits  the  benevolent  character  of  the  society  at 
the  very  period  when  Dr.  Plot  wrote.  He  says  that  "  Masons  being  fre- 
quently led  by  their  employment  far  from  hence,  and  from  their  friends, 
might  be  greatly  benefited  by  such  an  institution,  which  gave  them 
introduction  and  citizenship  wherever  they  went,  and  a  right  to  share  in 
the  charitable  contributions  of  Brethren  who  were  strangers  to  them. 
Universal  benevolence  was  the  great  aim  of  the  Order."  (Proofs,  p.  24.) 
Dr.  Plot  composed  his  work  during  the  attempt  of  Monmouth  to 
obtain  the  crown,  and  while  Kirke  and  Jefferies  were  executing  their 
blood-thirsty  commissions  to  curry  favour  with  the  arbitrary  court  of 
James.  Nothing  could  satiate  the  spirit  of  rigour  which  possessed  the 
administration.  Even  those  who  were  pardoned  were  subjected  to  such 
heavy  fines  as  reduced  them  to  beggary  ;  and  when  they  were  no  longer 
capable  of  paying,  they  were  scourged  and  imprisoned.  It  is  surprising, 


ACCOUNT    OF    THE    FREEMASONS.  49 

objections  to  the  Masons  being  obviated,  and  shown  to 
be  false  and  groundless,  it  may  be  inferred  that  no  per- 
sons, however  eminent  in  quality,  needed  to  disdain  the 
fellowship  of  Masons,  on  account  of  its  high  antiquity 
and  honour.  As  Staffordshire  did  then,  so  it  does  now, 
furnish  us  with  some  of  as  great  names  as  ever  graced 
the  annals  of  Masonry.63 

It  will,  perhaps,  be  deemed  uncharitable  to  surmise 
that  any  of  those  eminent  and  great  persons,  that  Dr. 
Plot  says  were  Masons,  encouraged  him  in  his  work.  Yet 
it  too  clearly  a.ppears  that  either  they  did  riot,  or  that  he 
rewarded  them  in  the  .same  grateful  manner  as  he  had 
done  his  master,  Ashmoie.69  Those  whom  he  has  men- 
tioned as  the  promoters  of  his  undertaking,  without  any 
disrespect  to  their  names  be  it  said,  he  has  so  shamefully 
flattered,  and  laid  his  daubing  on  so  thickly,  that  nothing 
but  his  own  words  can  influence  the  reader  to  think  that 
a  man  of  such  esteem  among  the  learned,  and  who  passed 
for  a  man  of  real  learning  himself,  could  be  capable  of  it. 
He  calls  them  "ingenious  and  every  way  accomplished; 
the  severely  inquisitive  and  worshipful ;  my  truly  noble 
patron,  the  right  worshipful ;  the  virtuous  and  most 
accomplished  lady ;  the  most  hopeful  and  inquisitive 
young  gentleman,  and  his  virtuous  sister,  Mrs.  Anne ; 
the  fair  lady  of  Lyswys;"  and,  to  crown  the  whole,  says 
of  a  lady,  that  she  had  "a  most  exquisite  sagacity  and 
perspicacious  insight  into  the  most  hidden  recesses  of 
nature."  Yet  it  were  well  had  this  adulating  faculty 
been  the  only  fault  of  the  doctor,  for  he  appears  to  be 

however,  that  the  learned  doctor  should  have  attributed  state  plots  to 
Masons,  because  many  of  the  adherents  of  James  were  Brethren  of  the 
Order,  although  the  king  himself  does  not  appear  to  have  frequented  the 
lodges,  nor  is  there  any  evidence  to  prove  that  he  was  a  Mason  ;  but  in 
his  reign  Sir  Christopher  Wren  was  the  Grand  Master,  and  Brothers 
Gabriel  Gibber,  and  Edward  Strong,  the  Grand  Wardens. 

68  This  observation  is  as  true  at  the  present  day  as  it  was  at  the  time 
when  the  above  reply  was  written  ;  and  the  Editor  has  many  personal 
friends  amongst  them,  with  whom  he  considers  it  a  happiness  to  be 
acquainted. 

*  Ashmoie  himself  appointed  Dr.  Plot  first  keeper  of  his  museum  ;  and 
about  the  same  time  the  vice-chancellor  "nominated  him  first  professor  of 
chemistry  in  the  university  of  Oxford.  He  was  secretary_  to  the  Earl 
Marshal";  registrar  of  the  court  of  honour,  and  historiographer  to 
King  James  II.  This  may  have  been  the  true  cause  of  his  servility, 
although  he  evidently  overshot  his  mark  by  abusing  the  Freemasons. 


50  A    DETECTION* 

the  greatest  believer,  where  the  matter  ho  imndles  is 
beyond  all  credibility,  lie  relates  with  firm  alliance  the 
most  astonishing  stories;  and  none  with  greater  bitter- 
ness than  those  of  witches  and  wizards,  against  whom  he 
shows  as  much,  if  not  more  gall  than  M  gainst  the  Ma- 
sons.70 The  good  wives  and  colliers  in  Staffordshire 
were  his  principal  informers.  He  talks  with  great  faith 
of  the  music  of  a  pack  of  hounds  in  the  air;  a  heavenly 
concert ;  the  raining  not  only  of  rats,  mice,  and  frogs, 
but  of  wool,  iron,  tiles,  bricks,  and  great  stones  ;71  with 
innumerable  other  unaccountable,  unnatural,  and  in- 
credible relations,  picked  out  of  various  authors,  and  of 
various  countries,  to  buttress  up  what  he  met  with  of 
the  same  kind  in  Staffordshire.  The  history  of  the 
whistlers,  and  in  particular  of  William  Oeswell,  the 
whistler  of  Rugely,  apprentice  to  Anthony  Bannister ; 
the  story  of  Mary  Woodward,  of  Hard  wick  ;  of  the  black 
meere  of  Morridge,  told  him  with  admiration  by  every- 
body at  Leek  ;  John  Duncalf  and  his  Bible  ;  and  Captain 
Basil  Wood,  are  verily  most  marvellous  relations,  and 
savour  so  strongly  of  truth,  that  it  will  be  quite  needless 
to  entertain  the  reader  with  them,  and  especially  as  they 
have  been  transplanted  by  the  ingenious  Mr.  Robert 
Burton,  in  those  extraordinary  books  called  Wonderful 
Events,  the  History  of  Witches,  and  the  Kingdom  of 
Darkness.72 

70  It  is  rather  surprising  that  he  did  not  blend  the  two  charges  to- 
gether, for  it  was  the  cant  of  the  day.  Thus  a  writer  against  Masonry 
says  that  "it  was  much  connected  with  the  schisms  in  the  Christian 
church ;  that  the  Jesuits  had  several  times  interfered  in  it ;  and  that 
most  of  the  exceptionable  innovations  and  dissensions  had  arisen  about 
the  time  that  the  order  of  Loyola  was  suppressed  ;  so  that  it  should  seem 
that  these  intriguing  brethren  had  attempted  to  maintain  their  influence 
by  the  help  of  Freemasonry.  It  was  much  disturbed  by  the  mystical 
whims  of  Behmen  and  Swedenborg — by  the  fanatical  and  knavish  doc- 
trines of  the  modern  Rosicrucians — by  magicians — magnetisers — exor- 
cists." (Bobison,  Proofs,  p.  6.) 

fl  Nat.  Hist.  Staff,  pp.  14,  20,  22,  24. 

72  However,  Dashfield,  the  astonishing  collier  of  \Vednesbury,  must 
not  so  be  passed  over.  The  doctor  says  he  was  told  ••  that  this  same 
collier  being  searching  for  coal  in  some  old  hollows,  and  wanting  air, 
repaired  to  an  old  shaft  that  had  been  filled  up  some  years  before,  where 
loosening  some  earth  at  the  bottom,  in  hopes  it  would  crack  to  the  top, 
and  give  him  air,  it  so  suddenly  coped  down  upon  him,  that  being 
environed  on  all  sides  with  it,  he  could  not  return,  insomuch  that  the 
people  concluded  him  smothered ;  but  while  they  were  debating  how  to 


ACCOUNT    OF    THE    FREEMASOXS.  51 

A  position  of  the  doctor's  concerning  water-spouts,  is 
thus  advanced: — "In  these  spouts,  together  with  the 
water,  the  fish  many  times,  in  the  sea  thereabouts,  are 
lifted  up,  which  sometimes  being  carried  by  the  winds 
over  land  before  their  fall,  has  often  occasioned  the 
wonderful  raining  of  fish,  as  it  did  whitings  at  Stansted, 
in  the  parish  of  Wrotham,  in  Kent,  in  1666,  and  herrings 
in  'the  south  of  Scotland,  in  1684,  as  his  most  sacred 
Majesty  King  James  II.  most  judiciously  determined  the 
problem  there."73  How  this  problem  was  determined  is 
not  discernible,  without  the  water-spout  does  it;  but  as 
a  respectable  person  is  here  drawn  in  to  vouch  for  the 
doctor,  it  can  give  no  offence  to  say,  that  there  never 
have  been  any  whiting  or  herring  rains  since.  For  the 
person  last  mentioned  it  was  that  the  doctor  wrote,  and 
seems  to  have  no  opinions  but  what  were  reflected  from 
the  crown.  He  turns  tail  of  all  his  Staffordshire  sup- 
porters, by  telling  the  public  "  that  he  appeals  only  to 
the  royal  judgment,  and,  therefore,  shall  little  value  what 
other  men  think,  but  cheerfully  acquiesce  in  his  majesty's 
decision.74 

Finally,  be  it  far  from  a  Mason  to  detract  from  any 
man's  real  worth,  or  endeavour  to  blemish  what  is  praise- 
worthy and  meritorious  in  any  man's  conduct  or  writings, 
though  some  parts  may  be  dappled  with  falsehood  or 
error;  and,  therefore,  with  allowing  all  due  praise  to  his 
literary  acquisitions,  in  which  it  must  be  confessed  he 
took  great  pains,  yet  it  is  most  certain  a  man  of  less 
judgment,  and  more  credulity,  never  lived  than  Dr.  Plot. 

get  him  out,  he,  by  the  help  of  his  maundrill,  by  degrees  so  wrought 
away  the  earth  over  head,  and  getting  it  under  his  feet,  so  raised  himself 
higher  and  higher,  that  at  length  he  came  out  above  ground  sate  and 
sound,  having  worked  thus  upwards  at  least  twenty-seven  feet  in  an 
hour's  time ;  which  even  the  people  thereabouts,  who  understand  these 
works,  look  upon  to  this  day  as  so  strange  a  performance,  that  the  man 
(now  living)  is  still  called  Witch  Dashfield."  (Nat.  Hist.  Staff,  pp.  284, 
288,  291,  304,  305,  306,  329. 

73  Nat.  Hist.  Staff,  pp.  249,  250 

74  Dedication  to  King  James. 


CHAPTER    II. 

AN    APOLOGY    FOR    THE    FREE    AND    ACCEPTED    MASONS. 

)COASIONED    BY   THKIR    PERSECUTIONS     IN     THE     CANTON    OF    BERNE,    WITH 

THE    PRESENT    STATE    OF    MASONRY   IN    GERMANY,    ITALY, 

FRANCE,    FLANDERS,    AND    HOLLAND.1 


Then  the  witch 


Began  a  magic  song, 

One  long  low  tone,  through  teeth  half  closed, 
Through  lips  slow  moving,  muttered  slow  ; 

One  long  continued  breath, 
Till  to  her  eyes  a  darker  yellowness 
Was  driven,  and  fuller  swoln  the  prominent  veins 

On  her  loose  throat  grew  black. 
Then  looking  upward,  thrice  she  breathed 

Into  the  face  of  heaven  ; 
The  baneful  breath  infected  heaven  ; 

A  mildewing  fog  it  spread 
Darker  and  darker  ;  so  the  evening  sun 
Poured  his  unentering  glory  on  the  mist, 

And  it  was  night  below."  SODTHEY. 

THE  Free  and  Accepted  Masons,  so  famous  in  our 
times,  are  a  society  of  men  of  all  ages,  conditions,  re- 
ligions, and  countries,  who  have  ever  been  such  lovers 

1  The  following  papal  decree  was  issued  against  this  pamphlet  by  the 
Apostolical  Chamber  at  Kome  in  1739  :— "The  18th  day  of  Feb.  1739. 
The  sacred  congregation  of  the  most  eminent,  and  most  reverend  cardi- 
nals of  the  holy  Roman  See,  and  inquisitor-general  in  the  Christian  republic 
against  heretical  pravity,  held  in  the  convent  of  St.  Mary  Supra  Miner- 
vam,  thoroughly  weighing  that  a  certain  book,  written  in  French,  small 
in  its  size,  but  most  wicked  in  regard  to  its  bad  subject,  entitled  '  The 
History  of,  and  an  Apology  for  the  Society  of  Freemasons,  by  J.  G.  D. 
M.  F.  M.,  printed  at  Dublin  for  Patrick  Odoroko,  1739,'  has  been 
published  to  the  great  scandal  of  all  the  faithful  in  Christ,  in  which  book 
there  is  an  apology  for  the  society  of  Freemasons,  already  justly  con- 
demned by  the  Holy  See  ;  after  a  mature  examination  thereof,  a  censure, 
and  that  published  by  our  most  holy  lord.  Pope  Clement  XII.,  together 
with  the  suffrages  of  the  most  eminent  and  most  reverend  lords,  the  car- 


AN    APOLOGY    FOR    FREE    AND    ACCEPTED    MASONS.      53 

of  virtue,  as  always  to  seek  and  never  betray  it ;  and  yet 
happier  in  seeing  those  amiable  ends  constantly  practised 
by  all  that  are  true  and  faithful.  From  hence  it  is,  that 
they  are  united  by  the  .most  indissoluble  ties  of  brotherly 
affection,  and  instructed  with  unanimity  to  aspire  after 
that  which  makes  their  lives  happy,  by  uniting  the  profit 
and  the  good  of  mankind.2  However  resplendent  this 

dinals,  by  the  command  of  his  holiness,  condemns  and  prohibits,  by  the 
present  decree,  the  said  book,  as  containing  propositions  and  wicked 
principles. 

"  Wherefore,  that  so  hurtful  and  wicked  a  work  may  be  abolished,  as 
much  as  possibly  it  can,  or  at  least  that  it  may  not  continue  without  a 
perpetual  note  of  infamy,  the  same  sacred  congregation,  by  command  as 
above,  has  ordered  that  the  said  work  shall  be  burnt  publicly  by  the 
minister  of  justice  in  the  street  of  St.  Mary  Supra  Minervam,  on  the  25th 
of  the  current  month,  at  the  same  time  the  congregation  shall  be  held  in 
the  convent  of  the  same  St.  Mary. 

"  Moreover,  this  same  sacred  congregation,  by  the  command  of  his 
holiness,  positively  forbids  and  prohibits  all  the  faithful  in  Christ,  that 
no  one  dare  by  any  means,  and  under  any  pretence  whatsoever,  copy, 
print,  or  cause  to  be  copied  or  printed,  or  retain  or  presume  to  read  the 
said  book  in  any  language  and  version  now  published,  or  (which  God 
forbid)  may  be  published  hereafter,  and  now  condemned  by  this  decree, 
under  the  pain  of  excommunication,  to  be  incurred  ipso  facto  by  those 
that  shall  offend  therein  ;  but  that  they  shall  presently  and  effectually 
deliver  it  up  to  the  ordinaries  of  such  places,  or  to  the  inquisitors  of 
heretical  pravity,  who  shall  burn  it,  or  cause  it  to  be  burnt,  without 
delay. 

"  Twenty-fifth  of  February,  1739. 

"  Paul  Antinus  Capellorius,  notary-public  of  the  Holy 
Roman  and  Universal  Inquisition. 

"  The  place  -j-  of  the  seal. 

"  Upon  the  25th  of  February,  1739,  the  above-cited  decree  was  fixed 
and  published  at  the  gates  of  the  church  of  the  Prince  of  the  Apostles, 
at  the  palace  of  the  holy  office,  and  at  the  other  customary  places  within 
the  city,  by  me,  Peter  Eomolatius,  officer  of  the  Holy  Inquisition." 

2  Thus  a  writer  of  the  last  century  concludes  his  book  in  the  following 
words: — •'  Throughout  this  golden  sera  of  the  fraternity,  the  royal  art 
has  been  carefully  and  diligently  propagated,  the  noblest  evidences  of 
true  old  architecture  everywhere  abounding,  and  perhaps  never  appeared 
to  greater  advantage  since  the  Augustan  age  ;  as  these  nations,  in  their 
high  taste  for  building  and  culture  of  the  sciences,  far  exceed  the  rest  of 
Europe  ;  so  that  the  absolute  and  complete  restoration  of  everything 
ancient,  noble,  great,  and  elegant  in  architecture,  has  been  by  late 
reserved  to  be  completed  in  these  happy  islands;  and  that  whilst  any 
of  those  goodly  structures  continue  to  resist  the  ruins  of  time,  the  fame 
and  glory  of  the  most  ancient  fraternity  in  the  world  will  be  honoured 
and  esteemed  by  all  that  love  true  knowledge  ;  and  joining  the  operative 
and  moral  architect,  together  with  the  constant  practice  of  the  most 
extensive  humanity,  benevolence,  and  charity,  seem  to  promise  a  continu- 
ation till  the  final  consummation  of  all  things." 


54  AN    APOLOGY    FOR    THE 

picture  of  the  fraternity  may  appear  at  first  view,  the 
colouring  yet  very  much  falls  short  of  the  original  ;  «m<l 
more  so,  as  these  qualifications  have  exposed  them  to 
many  unjust  arid  cruel  persecutions,3  under  various  pre- 
tences, very  false  in  themselves,  as  the  reasons  of  such 
vexatious  troubles  proceeded  from  imaginary  and  ground- 
less stories  propagated  among  the  vulgar.4  It  is  the 
right  of  the  unjustly-persecuted  to  complain,  and  to 
wish  for  redress.  It  is  a  token  of  real  goodness  and 
virtue  to  bear  the  scourge  of  ignorant  and  mistaken 
zealots  with  such  becoming  fortitude  and  patience,  as 
will  at  length  prevail.  By  thus  magnanimously  bearing 
undeserved  reproach,  they  are  sure  at  least  of  the  hearty 
good  wishes  of  all  that  are  true  and  faithful  throughout 
the  world. 

The  States-general  of  the  United  Provinces  were  the 
first  among  the  powers  of  Europe  who  took  notice  of  the 
Freemasons;  for,  finding  that  they  held  their  chapters  or 
congregations  in  almost  every  town  under  their  govern- 
ment, they  began  to  be  exceedingly  alarmed,  as  it  was 
judged  impossible  that  architecture  could  be  the  only 
motive  for  holding  such  assemblies.5  Under  this  per- 

3  Men  of  sense  and  discrimination  usually  endeavour  to  induce  others 
to  embrace  their  opinions  by  persuasion — bigots  by  persecution.    Christ 
established  his  gospel  by  mildness — Mahomet  by  the  sword.     The  perse- 
cutions of  the  early  popes  were  carried  on  by  the  agency  of  ignorant 
zealots.     Pope  Innocent  III.  perceived  in  the  l)omiuican  and  Franciscan 
friars  all  the  qualities  necessary  for  carrying  on  his  persecuting  schemes. 
They  appear  to  have  been  descended  from  the  dregs  of  the  people  ;  they 
were  severe  and  inflexible,  and  entirely  devoted  to  the  interests  of  the 
court  at  Rome.     The  pope  having  secured  their  services,  sought  for 
every  opportunity  to  increase  their  authority ;  and  at  length  the  inqui- 
sition was  established,  where  they  were  to  sit  and  hear,  and  pronounce 
sentence  against  reputed  heretics,  as  judges  delegated  by  him,  and  repre- 
senting his  person. 

4  These  stories  were  propagated  by  means  of  a  swarm  of  pamphlets, 
with  which  its  enemies  thought  to  destroy  the  existence  of  Freemasonry, 
as  the  locusts  did  the  fruits  of  the  land  of  Egypt.    (See  Masonic  Insti- 
tutes, p.  17.)     These  pamphlets  were  generally  treated  by  the  fraternity 
with  perfect  indifference,  and  even  made  by  them  the  subjects  of  ridicule. 
Two  of  them  were  satirized  in  the  secretary's  song  ;  and  when  they  were 
thus  brought  prominently  under  the  notice  of  the  lodge,  they  proved  a 
fund  of  amusement  to  the  Brethren  present. 

6  The  first  of  a  series  of  regular  meetings  took  place  at  the  Hague,  in 
1734,  under  the  direction  of  Bro.  de  la  Chapelle ;  but  in  the  third  year  of 
their  establishment,  proclamations  were  issued  against  them,  which  were 
followed  by  the  order  of  the  Emperor  Charles  VI.,  in  1738.  prohibiting 


FREE    AND    ACCEPTED    MASONS.  55 

suasion  the  States  published  an  edict,  in  the  year  1735, 
in  which  they  ordained  that,  though  they  had  not  dis- 
covered anything  in  the  behaviour  or  practices  of  the 
fraternity,  contrary  to  the  peace  of  the  Republic,  or  to 
the  duty  of  good  subjects,  they  were  resolved,  neverthe- 
less, to  prevent  any  bad  consequences  that  might  ensue, 
that  the  congregations,  assemblies,  or  lodges  of  the  Free- 
masons should  be  entirely  abolished.6  Far  from  blaming 
the  conduct  of  these  wise  republicans,  it  will  be  found 
to  accord  with  the  policy  of  their  government,  ever  re- 
markably suspicious  of  all  new  or  secret  assemblies;7  be- 

the  continuance  of  masonic  assemblies  in  his  Netherland  dominions,  or 
any  part  of  Flanders.  Despite  these  edicts,  the  lodge  at  the  Hague  con- 
tinued its  work,  and  adopted,  in  the  year  1749,  the  title  of  Mother 
Lodge ;  diffusing  in  all  directions  its  kindness,  and  rendering  assistance 
to  all  that  required  it.  In  1759,  the  Baron  Charles  von  Boetzelaer  was 
elected  Grand  Master  ;  and  he  entered  so  actively  on  its  duties,  that  to 
his  interference  and  management  the  prosperity  of  Masonry  in  Holland 
may  be  ascribed.  It  survived  the  persecution  there,  and  is  at  present  in 
a  flourishing  state.  (Freemasons'  Quarterly  Review,  1844,  p.  158.) 

6  Let  us  see  what  the  London  Masons  were  about  at  the  time  when 
this  sweeping  ordinance  was  decreed.     In  turning  to  the  history  of 
Masonry,  we   find  Thomas   Thynne,   Lord   Viscount  Weymouth,   the 
Grand  Master  ;  John  Ward,  Esq.,  Deputy  Grand  Master ;  Sir  E.  Man- 
sell,  Bart.,  and  Martin  Clare,  A.  M.,  F.  R.  S.,  the  Grand  Wardens. 
The  Grand  Master  elect,  on  April  17,  1735,  was  attended  at  his  house, 
in  Grosvenor-square,  by  Grand  Master  Crauford  and  his  officers,  by  the 
Dukes  of  Richmond  and  Athol,  the  Marquis  of  Beaumont,  the  Earls  of 
Winchelsea,  Wemys,  Loudon,  and  Balcarrap,  the  Lord  Vere  Bertie  and 
Lord  Cathcart,  with  many  other  eminent  and  worthy  Brethren,  clothed 
proper,  and  with  a  band  of  music  proceeded  through  the  city  with  great 
state  and  solemnity  to  Mercer's  Hall,  where  good  old  customs  were 
strictly  observed.     In  the  several  communications,  Deputy  Grand  Muster 
Ward,  being  in  the  chair,  made  a  most  excellent  speech,  recommending 
temper,  decency,  and  good  decorum  to  the  whole  assembly  ;  moved  that 
a  law  might  be  made  to  enforce  the  same  ;  and  then  proposed  a  regula- 
tion of  ten  rules  for  the  good  government  of  the  communications,  which 
passed  unanimously.     It  not  suiting  the  Grand  Master  to  attend,  the 
Deputy  Grand  Master  performed  all  to  the  lasting  honour,  safety,  and 
well-being  of  the  craft. 

7  Notwithstanding  the  above  ordinance,  a  lodge  composed  of  several 
respectable  gentlemen  continued  to  meet  at  a  private  house  in  Amster- 
dam.    The  magistrates  getting  intelligence  of  it,  ordered  the  whole  lodge 
to  be  arrested  ;  when  the  Master  and  Wardens  declared,  that  although 
they  were  incapable  of  satisfying  the  magistrates  respecting  their  par- 
ticular secrets  or  ceremonies,  yet  if  any  of  the  magistrates  chose  to  be 
initiated,  they  would  then  be  satisfied  that  Masonry  contained  nothing 
but  what  was  good  and  commendable.     The  magistrates  accepted  the 
offer  and  ordered  the  town  clerk  to  be  initiated,  which  was  accordingly 
lone ;  and  he  made  such  a  favourable  report  of  the  proceedings  in  the 


66  AN    APOLOGY    FOR    THE 

Bides,  at  that  time,  they  knew  no  better,  for  they  had  not 
a  clear  and  distinct  knowledge  of  the  harmless  nature, 
and  of  the  end  and  design,  of  the  fraternity  ;  which,  as 
the  time  this  happened,  were  holding  their  lodges  under 
the  sanction  of  the  Grand  Master  of  England  and  were 
rapidly  spreading  all  over  Europe,  under  the  same  great 
authority,8  which  procured  them  peace  and  an  honour- 
able reception,  where  otherwise  they  should  not  have 
found  it.  The  States-general  having  since  experienced 
the  good  behaviour  of  the  fraternity,9  and  acquainted 
themselves  with  the  charges,  laws,  and  essential  usages 
of  that  illustrious  body,  do  not  only  permit  any  of  their 
subjects  to  become  of  the  craft,  but  also  countenance, 
encourage,  and  protect  the  lodges  in  the  cities  and  towns 
of  the  Republic.10 

France,  in  the  year  1737,  followed  the  example  of 
Holland ;    though    many  of  the  greatest  personages  in 

lodge,  that  all  the  magistrates  became  Masons,  and  established  a  new 
lodge  for  their  own  particular  use. 

8  There  was  an  authorized  compact  between  the  Right  Honourable 
Lord  Petre,  Grand  Master  of  England,  and  his  Serene  Highness  the 
Prince  of  Hesse  Darmstadt,  Grand  Master  of  Germany,  in  which  the 
Grand   Lodge  in  London  confirmed  the   power  and  authority  of  his 
Serene  Highness  in  Germany  ;  and  the  latter  agreed  not  to  constitute 
any  new  lodges,  or  grant  any  masonic  power  or  authority,  except  within 
the  empire  of  Germany.     And  the  two  contracting  Grand  Lodges  mu- 
tually agreed  to  use  their  best  endeavours  to  destroy  all  schisms  and 
innovations  in  Masonry,  and  more  especially  that  sect  of  Masons  who 
call  themselves  the  Strict  Observance,  whose  principles  are  pronounced 
in  their  compact  to  be  inconsistent  with  true  Masonry. 

9  The  first  lodge  at  Amsterdam  was  opened  by  the  grand  officers  from 
the  Hague,  and  consisted  of  the  first  men  in  the  country ;  but  it  was  in- 
terdicted, as  we  have  just  seen,  and  the  result  was  creditable  to  the 
Order.     From  that  period  all  prohibitory  proclamations  were  withdrawn, 
and  the  Order  became  protected  by  the  laws,  excepting  in  the  provinces 
under  the  sway  of  the  Emperor  Charles  VI. 

10  The  progress  of  Masonry  in  Holland  is  thus  given  in  the  foreign 
periodical  called  Latomiu  :  "  The  only  original,  traceable,  and  regular 
lodge  at  the  beginning  of  the  seventeenth  century,  is  the  Mous  lodge  of 
Perfect  Union,  under  the  warrant  of  the  Duke  of"  Montague  ;   from  that 
nucleus  it  gradually  increased,  but  principally  in  the  south.     In  1731  the 
Grand  Duke  of  Tuscany  was  introduced  into  Freemasonry  by  the  English 
ambassador,  Lord  Chesterfield  :   but  the  lodge,  with  one  exception,  con- 
sisted of  Englishmen.     It  appears  that  Bro.  Vincent  de  la  Chapelle  held 
a  lodge  under  the  title  of  '  the  Reunion  of  the  Grand  Masters  of  the 
Provinces,  and  the  resort  of  the  generality ;'  from  which  time  may  be 
dated  the  commencement  of  the  persecution  by  the  clergy  and  populate, 
who  supposed  it  to  have  a  Dolitical  tendency." 


FREE    A*U    ACCEPTED    MASONS.  57 

that  kingdom  had  defended  the  lodges  of  Masons,  and 
interested  the  court  in  their  behalf,  yet  they  were 
decreed  to  the  same  fate  as  in  the  United  Provinces,  by 
reason  that  under  the  pretence  of  the  inviolable  secrets 
of  their  Order,  they  might  cover  some  dangerous  design, 
which  might  in  the  end  be  to  the  disadvantage,  not  only 
of  religion,  but  of  the  kingdom's  peace.11  But  these 
days  have  been.  At  this  time  there  are  none  so  scrupu- 
lous, in  regard  to  Masonry,  as  they  were  some  years  ago. 
It  is  known  that  the  Prince  of  Conti,  that  illustrious 
hero,  glories  in  having  been  made  a  Mason  ;  and  that  he 
sometimes  lays  aside  his  warlike  habiliments,  to  wear 
the  honest  and  humble  apron,  and  work  with  surprising 
diligence  and  assiduity  in  carrying  on  the  grand  design. 

The  persecutions  the  Freemasons  have  undergone  at 
Vienna  might  have  passed  unnoticed,  as  it  was  occa- 
sioned by  the  jealousy  of  some  ladies  belonging  to  the.— 
court,  who  having  endeavoured,  by  various  artful  and 
crafty  devices,  to  get  some  of  their  tools  arid  agents  into  / 
many  of  the  lodges,  though  without  any  effect,  they  / 
then  attempted  to  inflame  the  mind  of  the  empress- 
queen  against  the  fraternity,  and  carried  it  so  far  with 
that  princess,  as  to  get  an  order  for  surprising  them  in 
all  their  lodges,  to  revenge  themselves,  in  as  open  a 
manner  as  possible,  for  some  affronts  they  imagined  had 
been  given  them  by  the  fraternity.  But  the  success  of 
their  undertakings  did  not  by  any  means  answer  the 
intentions  of  their  diligence  and  industry  ;  for  no  less  a 
person  than  his  imperial  majesty,  the  first  Mason  in 
Europe,  instantly  put  a  stop  to  all  their  proceedings, 
and  declared  himself  ready  to  answer  for  their  conduct,1* 


11  At  this  period  the  Continent  of  Europe  wa<i  over-run  with  infidelity. 
The  court,  the  church,  and  every  other  class  of  society  swarmed  with 
Free-thinkers — and  the  tendency  of  some  of  the  interpolated  degrees, 
viz.,  the  Elus,  the  Chevalier  du  Soliel,  &c.,  gave  rise  to  an  opinion  that 
Masonry  was  a  system  of  infidelity.     Hence,  probably,  arose  the  persecu- 
tions  to   which  Freemasonry  Mas  exposed.     In  France  Masonry  was 
abolished  in  1737,  under  the  pretence  that  the  inviolable  secrets  of  the 
lodges  might  cover  some  dreadful  design  hostile  to  religion,  and  dangerous 
to  the  kingdom.     These  suspicio  .?s,  however,  were  speedily  removed,  and 
the  Order  was  restored  to  its  forner  prosperity  and  splendour. 

12  That  enlightened  monarch,  Joseph  1L,  allowed  the  Freemasons  every 
indulgence  and  privilege,  restricting  the  number  of  lodges  to  three  io 
large  towns,  but  giving  plain  instructions  to  all  departments  in  the  state 


58  AN    APOLOGY    FOw    THE 

and  to  redress  any  plea  that  could  be  alleged  against 
them  ;13  but  that  the  ladies  or  their  abettors  must 
find  some  better  foundation  for  complaint,  before  he 
should  enter  into  the  merits  of  the  cause,  us  what  had 
already  appeared  was  only  falsehood  and  misrepresent*' 
tion. 

The  court  of  Rome,  instigated  by  the  impositions  of 
evil-minded  persons,  poured  out  its  bulls  and  decrees 
against  the  Masons,14  whereby  they  were  condemned  in  a 
more  severe  and  tyrannical  manner — thd  peculiar  cha- 
racteristic of  the  inquisition — than  they  had  ever  yet 
undergone  in  any  nation,  and  that  without  the  least  foun- 
dation for  such  proceedings,  his  holiness  being  utterly 
ignorant  of  what  was  so  zealously  to  be  interdicted. 
The  words  of  the  said  bull,  with  the  edict  and  decree 


to  assist  and  support  the  Freemasons.  Affairs  were  altered,  however,  by 
his  successors.  The  meetings  were  prohibited,  and  Francis  II.  reqin-st^d 
all  the  German  princes  to  do  the  same.  The  ambassadors  of  Hanover, 
Brunswick,  and  Prussia  protested  against  it,  saying  that  the  emperor 
might  do  as  he  pleased  in  his  own  country,  but  beyond  that  he  had  no 
right  to  legislate.  Austria  complied  with  his  requests ;  and  every  man 
officially  employed  was  sworn  that  he  was  not,  and  never  would  become 
a  member  of  the  secret  societies  of  Freemasons,  Rosicruciajis^Blumiiiati, 
or  whatever  other  name  they  might  bear.  (Freemasons' QuartSriyKe- 
view,  1844,  p.  162.) 

13  The  prayer  of  this  excellent  monarch  on  the  present  occasion  is 
worthy  of  perusal,  and  may  be  found  in  the  Freemasons'  Quarterly  Re- 
view, 1843,  p.  472.     It  was  taken  from  an  old  German  work,  and  will 
well  repay  a  perusal.     In  it  he  says,  addressing  the  Deity — "  I  v/ill  try 
to  be  like  thee,  as  far  as  human  efforts  can  approach  infinite  perfection. 
I  will  be  as  indulgent,  as  thou  art,  to  all  men  whose  tenets  differ  from 
mine,  and  all  unnatural  compulsion,  in  point  of  conscience,  shall  be  ban- 
ished from  my  kingdom !" 

14  The  republication  of  this  tract  will  be  extremely  useful  at  the  present 
period,  when  the  absurd  denunciations  against  Freemasonry  have  been 
repeated  from  authority.     I  subjoin  an  episcopal  denunciation,  extracted 
from  the  "  Monita  et  Statuta,"  promulgated  by  the  English  vicars  apos- 
tolic.— "  We  enjoin  that  the  Catholics  b  .\  warned  against  entering  into 
the  society  of  them  who  are  vulgarly  called  Freemasons."     This  docu- 
ment was  signed  on  the  4th -May,  1838,  by  the  bishops  of  Siga,  of  Cam- 
bysopolis,  of  Trachis,  and  of  Olena.     This  was  not  enough  for  the  latter, 
who,  in  April,  1842,  promulgated  an  additional  injunction,  to  be  observed 
in  the  London  district,  declaring  that  "  a  confessor  cannot  lawfully  or 
validly  grant  sacramental  absolution  to  men  belonging  to  the  society  of 
Freemasons,  unless  they  absolutely,  positively,  and  for  ever,  abandoned 
the  aforesaid  condemned  society.     This  rule  must  be  implicitly  followed, 
where  the  penitent  is  avowedly  associated  with  a  body  of  Freemasons,  or 
where,  in  confession,  he  declares  himself  to  be  a  Freemason." 


FREE    AND    ACCEPTED    MASONS.  59 

which  followed,  will  best  depicture  the  impure  fountain 
they  sprang  from.15 

"  The  Condemnation  of  the  Society  of  Conventicles  De  Liueri 
Muratori,  or  of  the  Freemasons,  under  the  penalty  o/'',pso 
facto  Excommunication,  the  Absolution  from  which  is 
reserved  to  the  Pope  alone,  except  at  the  point  of  Death. 

"  CLEMENT  BISHOP,  SERVANT  OF  THE  SERVANTS  OF 
GOD,  TO  ALL  THE  FAITHFUL  OF  CHRIST,  HEALTH 
AND  APOSTOLICAL  BENEDICTION. 

"  Placed  (unworthy  as  we  are),  by  the  disposal  of  the 
divine  clemency,  in  the  eminerjt  watch-tower  of  the 
apostleship,  we  are  ever  solicitously  intent,  agreeable  to 
trust  of  the  pastoral  providence  reposed  in  us,  by 
obstructing  the  passages  of  error  and  vice,  to  preserve 
more  especially  the  integrity  of  orthodox  religion,  and  to 
repel,  in  these  difficult  times,  all  danger  of  trouble  from 
the  whole  Catholic  world. 

"  It  has  come  to  our  knowledge,  even  from  public 

15  «  These  bulls  against  Freemasonry,"  says  Bro.  O'Kyan,  "  are  no  more 
the  law  of  the  church  of  Rome,  than  the  lunatic  manifesto  of  Carnana  of 
Malta  is  the  production  of  the  mind  of  either  a  scholar  or  a  Christian. 
It  should,  however,  be  borne  in  mind,  that  Leo  XII.  used  very  strong 
measures  to  uproot  a  society,  well  known  by  the  name  of  the  Carbonari, 
whom  many,  most  erroneously,  confound  with  Freemasons,  with  whom 
they  have  nothing  in  common,  save  secrecy.  The  one  is  a  society  admit- 
ting its  objects  to  be  those  of  violence  and  blood,  assuming  as  its  war- 
cry,  '  Revenge  for  the  land  crashed  by  the  wolf,'  and  binding  its  members 
on  admission  to  hatred  to  tyrants.  The  other  enjoins  obedience  to  law, 
human  and  divine,  and  inculcates  charity.  The  one  is  confined  to  a 
particular  locality,  the  other  extends  to  every  region  of  the  civilized 
world  ;  the  former  aims  at  the  infliction  of  vengeance  on  men  for  their 
evil  actions,  the  latter  seeks  to  unite  the  whole  human  family  in  a  sublime 
and  sacred  bond  of  brotherhood,  and  endeavours  not  to  encourage  strife, 
but  to  promote  benevolence.  The  Carbonari  throughout  Italy  were 
visited  by  law  with  the  punishment  of  death,  at  so  late  a  period  as  1821, 
while  on  the  passing  of  an  act  to  suppress  secret  societies  in  this  country, 
the  British  parliament  especially  excepts  Freemasons  ;  affording  thereby 
a  proof  that  their  character  as  citizens,  and  their  loyalty  as  subjects,  are 
unquestioned.  Now  may  it  not  be  very  probable,  that  this  often-quoted 
bull  is  directed  against  the  Carbonari,  not  the  Freemasons  ?  Admitting 
it,  however,  to  be  against  the  latter,  it  is  but  the  opinion  of  one  iiuui, 
which  cannot,  contrary  to  the  evidence  of  our  senses,  and  the  approval  of 
our  consciences,  persuade  us  that  that  is  criminal  which  we  know  full 
well  to  be  righteous."  (Intolerance,  p.  53.) 


60  AN    APOLOGY    FOR    THE 

report,  that  certain  societies,  companies,  iw^-tr 
assemblies,  clubs,  or  conventicles,  commonly  called  De 
Liberi  Muratori,  or  Freemasons,  or  by  whatsoever  other 
name  the  same  in  different  languages  are  distinguished, 
spread  far  and  wide,  and  are  every  day  increasing  ;  in 
which  persons,  of  whatever  religion  or  sect,  contented 
with  a  kind  of  an  affected  show  of  natural  honesty,  con- 
federate together  in  a  close  and  inscrutable,  bond,  accord- 
ing to  laws  and  orders  agreed  upon  between  them  ; 
which  likewise,  with  private  ceremonies,  they  enjoin 
and  bind  themselves,  as  well  by  strict  oath  taken  on  the 
Bible,  as  by  the  imprecation  of  heavy  punishments,  to 
preserve  with  inviolable  secrecy. 

"  We,  therefore,  revolving  in  our  mind  the  great  mis- 
chiefs which  generally  accrue  from  this  kind  of  societies 
or  conventicles,  not  only  to  the  temporal  tranquillity 
of  the  state,  but  to  the  spiritual  health  of  souls  ;  and 
that,  therefore,  they  are  neither  consistent  with  civil  nor 
canonical  sanctions  ;  since  we  are  taught  by  the  Divine 
Word  to  watch,  like  a  faithful  servant,  night  and  day  lest 
this  sort  of  men  break  as  thieves  into  the  house,  and, 
like  foxes,  endeavour  to  root  up  the  vineyard  ;  lest  they 
should  pervert  the  hearts  of  the  simple,  and  privily  shoot 
at  the  innocent ;  that  we  might  stop  up  the  broad  way, 
which  from  thence  would  be  laid  open  for  the  perpetra- 
tion of  their  wickedness  with  impunity,  and  tor  other 
just  and  reasonable  causes  to  us  known,  have  by  the 
advice  of  some  of  our  venerable  brethren  of  the  Roman 
church,  the  cardinals,  and  of  our  own  mere  motion,  and 
from  our  certain  knowledge  and  mature  deliberation,  by 
the  plentitude  of  the  apostolical  power,  appointed  and 
decreed  to  be  condemned,  and  prohibited,  and  by  this 
our  present  ever-valid  constitution,  we  do  condemn  and 
prohibit  the  same  societies,  companies,  meetings,  as- 
semblies, clubs,  or  conventicles,  De  Liberi  Muratori, 
or  Freemasons,  or  by  whatever  other  name  they  are 
distinguished. 

"  Wherefore  all  and  singular  the  faithful  in  Christ,  of 
whatever  state,  degree,  condition,  order,  dignity,  and 
pre-eminence,  whether  laity  or  clergy,  as  wTell  seculars 
as  regulars,  worthy  all  of  express  mention  and  enumera- 
tion, we  strictly,  and  in  virtue  of  holy  obedience,  com- 
mand that  no  one,  under  any  pretext  or  colour,  dare  or 


FREE    AND    ACCEPTED    MASONS.  61 

presume  the  aforesaid  societies,  De  Liberi  Muratori,  or 
Freemasons,  or  by  whatever  other  manner  distinguished, 
to  enter  into,  promote,  favour,  admit,  or  conceal  in  his 
or  their  houses,  or  elsewhere,  or  be  admitted  members 
of,  or  be  present  with  the  same,  or  be  anywise  aiding  and 
assisting  towards  their  meeting  in  any  place  ;  or  to 
administer  anything  to  them,  or  in  any  manner  publicly 
or  privately,  directly  or  indirectly,  by  themselves  or 
others,  afford  them  counsel,  help,  or  favour ;  or  advise, 
induce,  provoke,  or  persuade  others  to  be  admitted  into, 
joined,  or  be  present  with  this  kind  of  societies,  or  in 
any  manner  aid  and  promote  them  ;  but  that  they  ought 
by  all  means  to  abstain  from  the  said  societies,  compa- 
nies, meetings,  assemblies,  clubs  or  conventicles,  under 
the  penalty  of  all  that  act  contrary  thereto,  incurring 
excommunication  itpso  facto,  without  any  other  decla- 
ration ;  from  which  no  one  can  obtain  the  benefit  of 
absolution  from  any  other  but  us,  or  the  Roman  pontiff 
for  the  time  being,  except  at  the  point  of  death.16 

"  We  will  moreover  and  command,  that  as  well 
bishops  and  superior  prelates,  and  other  ordinaries  of 
particular  places,  as  the  inquisitors  of  heretical  pravity 
universally  deputed,  of  what  state,  degree,  condition, 
order,  dignity,  or  pre-eminence  soever,  proceed  and 
inquire,  and  restrain  and  coerce  the  same,  as  vehemently 
suspected  of  heresy,  with  condign  punishment ;  for  to 
them,  and  each  of  them  we  hereby  give  and  impart  free 
power  of  proceeding,  inquiring  against,  and  of  coercing 
and  restraining  with  condign  punishments,  the  same 
transgressors,  and  of  calling  in,  if  it  shall  be  necessary, 
the  help  of  the  secular  arm  ;  and  we  will  that  printed 
copies  of  these  presents,  signed  by  some  notary  public, 
and  confirmed  by  the  seal  of  some  person  of  ecclesiasti- 
cal dignity,  shall  be  of  the  same  authority  as  original  let- 

16  Thus  it  appears  that,  except  in  danger  of  death,  a  confessor  has  not 
the  power  to  absolve  a  penitent  who  is  a  Freemason  without  special 
permission  from  the  pope.  A  confessor  can  absolve  a  penitent  guilty  of 
asury,  adultery,  murder,  or  any  other  crime,  however  heinous,  provided 
he  be  contrite ;  but  if  guilty  of  a  breach  of  discipline  by  becoming  a 
Freemason,  from  Rome  only  can  absolution  come  ;  the  inference  deduci- 
ble  therefrom  being,  that  a  breach  of  human  discipline  is  an  offence  more 
aggravating  than  an  actual  violation  of  the  commands  of  the  Decalogue; 
and  to  disobey  your  fellow-man,  is  more  criminal  than  to  trample  on  the 
laws  of  the  Deity !"  (O'Ryan  ut  supra,  p.  52.) 


62  AN    APOLOGY    FOR    THE 

ters  would  be,  if  they  were  shown  and  exhibited.  Let 
no  one,  therefore,  infringe,  or  by  rash  attempt  contradict 
this  page  of  our  declaration,  damnation,  command,  pro- 
hibition, and  interdict ;  but  if  any  one  shall  presume  to 
attempt  this,  let  him  know  that  he  will  incur  the  indig- 
nation of  Almighty  God,  and  of  the  blessed  apostles 
Peter  and  Paul. 

"  Dated  from  Rome  at  St.  Mary's  the  Greater,  in  the 
year  of  the  incarnation  of  our  Lord  1738,  the  fourth  of 
the  calends  of  May  (28th  of  April,  N.  S.)  in  the  8th  of  our 
pontificate. 

A.  CARD,  Vice-Datary. 

C.  AMATUS,  Vice-Secretary. 

VISA  DE  CURIA  N.  ANTONELLUS. 

The  place  -f-  of  the  leaden  seal. 

I.  B.  EUGENIUS. 

Registered  in  the  Secretary  of  the  Briefs  Office,  &c. 

"  In  the  above-mentioned  day,  month  and  year,  the  said  condemnation 
was  fixed  up  and  published  at  the  gates  of  the  palace  of  the  Sacred 
Office  of  the  Prince  of  the  Apostles,  and  in  other  usual  and  accustomed 

S'aces  of  the  city,  by  me,  Peter  Romolatius,  Cursitor  of  the  Most 
oly  Inquisition." 


"  EDICT. — Joseph  Cardinal  Firrao,  of  the  Title  of  St. 
Thomas  in  Parione,  and  of  the  Soared  Roman  College 
Cardinal  Priest. 

"  Whereas,  the  holiness  of  our  sovereign  lord,  Pope 
Clement  XII.  happily  reigning,  in  his  bull  of  the  28th 
of  April  last,  beginning  In  eminently  condemned,  under 
pain  of  excommunication,  reserved  to  himself,  certain 
companies,  societies,  and  meetings,  under  the  title  of 
Freemasons,  more  proper  to  be  called  conventicles,  which, 
under  the  pretext  of  civil  society,  admit  men  of  any  sect 
and  religion,  with  a  strict  tie  of  secrecy,  confirmed  by 
oath  on  the  sacred  Bible,  as  to  all  that  is  transacted  or 
done  in  the  said  meetings  and  conventicles  ;  and  whereas 
such  societies,  meetings,  and  conventicles,  are  not  only 
suspected  of  occult  heresy,17  but  even  dangerous  to  public 

17  The  above  refers  to  the  practice  of  the  Rosicrucians,  who  had  been 
admitted  into  the  Order,  and  had  succeeded  in  engrafting  many  of  their 
conceits  upon  it ;  taken  from  the  elaborate  cabalistical  work  of  Studion, 


FREE    AND    ACCEPTED    MASONS.  63 

peace,  and  the  safety  of  the  ecclesiastical  state,  since  if 
they  did  not  contain  matters  contrary  to  orthodox  faith, 
to  the  state,  and  to  the  peace  of  the  commonwealth,  so 
many  and  strict  ties  of  secrecy  would  not  be  required,  as 
it  is  wisely  taken  notice  of  in  the  aforesaid  bull  ;  and  it 
being-  the  will  of  the  holiness  of  our  said  lord,  that  such 
societies,  meetings  and  conventicles  totally  cease  and  be 
dissolved,  and  that  they  who  are  not  constrained  by  the 
fear  of  censures,  be  curbed  at  least  by  temporal  punish- 
ments. 

"  Therefore,  it  is  the  express  order  of  his  holiness,  by 
this  edict  to  prohibit  all  persons,  of  any  sex,  state,  or  con- 
dition soever,  whether  ecclesiastical,  secular,  or  regular, 
of  whatever  institute,  degree,  or  dignity,  though  ordi- 
narily or  extraordinarily  privileged,  even  such  as  require 
special  and  express  mention  to  be  made  of  them,  com- 
prehending the  lour  legations  of  Bologna,  Ferrara, 
ilomagna  LJrbino,  and  the  city  and  dukedom  of  Bene- 
vento  ;  and  it  is  hereby  forbidden  that  any  do  presume  to 
meet,  assemble,  or  associate  in  any  place  under  the  said 
societies,  or  assemblies  of  Freemasons,  or  under  any  other 
title  or  cioak  whatsoever,  or  even  be  present  at  such 
meetings  and  assemblies,  under  pain  of  death  and  confis- 
cation of  their  effects,  to  be  irremissibly  incurred  without 
hopes  of  grace. 

"  It  is  likewise  prohibited,  as  above,  to  any  person  so- 
ever to  seek  or  tempt  any  one  to  associate  with  any  such 
societies,  meetings,  or  assemblies,  or  to  advise,  aid,  or 
abet  to  the  like  purpose  the  said  meetings  or  assemblies, 
under  the  penalties  abovesaid ;  and  they  who  shall  furnish 
or  provide  a  house,  or  any  other  place,  for  such  meetings 
or  conventicles  to  be  held,  though  under  pretext  of  loan, 
hire,  or  any  other  contract  soever,  are  hereby  condemned, 
over  and  above  the  aforesaid  penalties,  to  have  the  house, 
or  houses,  or  other  places  where  such  meetings  arid  con- 
venticles shall  be  held,  utterly  erased  and  demolished ; 
and  it  is  his  holiness's  will,  that  to  incur  the  abovesaid 
penalty  of  demolition,  any  human  conjectures,  hints,  or 
presumptions,  may,  and  shall  suffice  for  a  presumption 

called  "  Naometriiv,  or  Temple  Measuring- ;  or,  the  Temple  opened  by 
the  Key  of  David,  Aoictore  Simone  iStudione  inter  Scorpiones.  Anno 
1604."" 


64  AN    APOLOGY    FOR    THE 

of  knowledge  in  the  landlords  of  such  houses  and  places, 
without  admission  of  any  excuse  soever. 

"  Arid  because  it  is  the  express  will  of  our  said  lord, 
that  such  meetings,  societies,  and  conventicles  do  cease,  as 
pernicious,  and  suspect  of  heresy  and  sedition,  be  utterly 
dissolved  ;  his  holiness  does  hereby  strictly  order,  that  any 
persons,  as  above,  who  shall  have  notice  for  the  future 
of  the  holding  of  the  said  meetings,  assemblies,  arid  con- 
venticles, or  who  shall  be  solicited  to  associate  with  the 
same,  or  are  in  any  manner  accomplices  or  partakers  with 
them,  be  obliged,  under  the  fine  of  a  thousand  crowns  in 
gold,  besides  other  grievous  corporal  punishments — the 
gallies  not  to  be  excepted — to  be  inflicted  at  pleasure,  to 
denounce  them  to  his  eminence,  or  to  the  chief  magis- 
trate of  the  ordinary  tribunal  of  the  cities,  or  other  places 
in  which  the  offence  shall  be  committed,  contrary  to  this 
edict;  with  promise  and  assurance  to  such  denouncers 
or  informers,  that  they  shall  be  kept  inviolably  secret 
and  safe,  and  shall  farther  obtain  grace  and  immunity, 
notwithstanding  any  penalty  they  themselves  may  or 
shall  have  incurred. 

"  And  that  no  one  may  excuse  himself  from  the  obliga- 
tion of  informing  under  the  borrowed  pretext  of  natural 
secret,  or  the  most  sacred  oath,  or  other  stricter  tie,  by 
order  of  his  said  holiness,  notice  is  hereby  given  to  all, 
that  such  obligation  of  natural  secret,  or  any  sort  of  oath 
in  criminal  matters,  and  already  condemned  under  pain 
of  excommunication,  as  above,  neither  holds  nor  binds 
in  any  manner,  being  null,  made  void,  and  of  no  force, 
&c. 

"  It  is  our  will  that  the  present  edict,  when  affixed  in 
the  usual  places  in  Rome,  do  oblige  and  bind  Rome  and 
its  district,  and  from  the  term  of  twenty  days  after,  the 
whole  ecclesiastical  state,  comprehending  even  the  lega- 
tions and  cities  of  Bologna,  Ferrara,  and  Benevento,  in 
the  same  manner  as  if  they  had  been  personally  notified 
to  each  of  them.  Given  in  Rome  this  14th  day  of 
January,  1739. 

JOSEPH,  Cardinal  Firrao. 

JEROME  DE  BARDI,  Secretary. 

Borne,  in  the  printing-office  of  the  Reverend 
Apostolic  Chamber.     1739." 


FREE    AND    ACCEPTED    MASONS.  65 

Notwithstanding  these  abominable  infractions  upon 
human  liberty,  a-nd  being  thus  oppressed  in  the  ecclesias- 
tical state,18  the  fraternity  found  a  safe  refuge  from  time 
to  time  in  many  parts  of  Italy,  who  being  better  enlight- 
ened than  those  of  Rome,19  did  not  by  any  means  oppose 
the  spreading  and  propagating  an  art,  founded  on  the 
most  exalted  maxims  of  sound  morality,  and  which  could 
not  but  tend  to  the  greatest  advantage  of  every  kingdom.20 
The  malicious  reflections  and  invectives  raised  and  spread 
against  the  Masons  all  over  Europe,  and  with  which  they 
have  been  without  mercy  bespattered,  and  which  would 
fill  a  volume,  must  be  passed  over  in  silence,  to  treat  of 
matters  that  are  of  much  greater  consequence  and  nearer 
concern  to  the  fraternity.  At  a  time  when  they  enjoyed 
peace  and  tranquillity  in  Switzerland  to  the  utmost  of 
their  wishes,  all  at  once  a  cloud  arose  in  a  certain  quarter 
that  threatened  a  heavy  storm  ;  nor  less  it  was  than  to 
root  out  and  extirpate  the  hitherto  unshaken  and  im- 

18  The  Roman  Catholics  were  not  generally  satisfied  of  the  policy,  or 
everi  the  justice  of  these  arbitrary  edicts.    Dr.  Doyle  said,  in  his  evidence 
before  the  House  of  Commons — "  I  should  be  satisfied  that  a  sentence 
was  just  and  lawful,  before  I  would  make  myself  an  instrument  in  execut- 
ing it ;  for  they  are  guilty  of  death,  says  the  Apostle,  not  only  those  who 
do  evil,  but  those  who  consent  to  the  doing  of  it ;  and  if  I  become  the 
pope's  agent   in  pronouncing  sentence  of  excommunication  against  a 
Christian  not  guilty  of  a  crime,  in  my  opinion,  deserving  it,  I  should  be 
an  accomplice  in  the  pope's  injustice.'' 

19  In  the  archives  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Scotland,  is  deposited  an  old 
parchment-bound  minute  book,  with  the  following  explanatory  memoran- 
dum respecting  the  lodge  at  Rome  in  1735.    "  Pope  Clement  XII.  having 
published  a  most  severe  edict  against  Freemasonry,  the  last  lodge  held  at 
Rome  was  on  the  20th  August,  1737,  when  the  late  Earl  of  Wintown 
was  Master.     The  officer  of  the  lodge,  who  was  a  servant  of  Dr.  James 
Irvin,  was  sent,  as  a  terror  to  others,  prisoner  to  the  Inquisition,  but  was 
soon  released."     See  the  whole  account  in  the  Freemasons'  Quarterly 
Review,  1842,  p.  393,  where  the  transactions  of  this  lodge  are  recorded. 

20  In  Spain,  however,  these  edicts  excited  a  severe  persecution  of  the 
fraternity.     In  1742,  the  Inquisition  of  that  country  imprisoned  Bro. 
Alexander  James  Moutou,  a  French  Artist,  and  John  Coustos,  a  native 
of  Berne,  in  Switzerland,  for  being  Freemasons ;  the  father  of  the  latter 
came  into  England  in  1716,  and  was  naturalized.     The  crimes  brought 
against  them  by  that  horrid  Inquisition  were,  that  they  had  infringed  the 
pope's  orders,  by  their  belonging  to  the  sect  of  Freemasons  ;  which  sect 
was  a  horrid  compound  of  sacrilege,  unnatural,  and  other  abominable 
crimes ;  of  which  the  inviolable  secresy  observed  therein,  and  the  exclu- 
sion of  women,  were  but  too  manifest,  indications  ;  a  circumstance  that 
gave  the  highest  offence  to  the  whole  kingdom.     See  Chap.  IV.  of  th« 
present  volume. 


66  AN    APOLOGY    FOK    THK 

moveable  foundations  of  Masonry,  arid  at  once  to  over 
throw  the  superb  structure  that  .had  been  erecting  for 
many  ages.21  This  must  be  farther,  and  more  at  large, 
explained  for  the  benefit  of  those  who  are  not  already 
acquainted  with  the  facts.  None  can  be  ignorant  that, 
after  the  example  of  France  and  Holland,  the  Swiss  can- 
tons received  the  Masons  amongst  them,  and  afforded 
them  treatment  equal  to  their  merit.22  The  eagerness 
with  which  all  ranks  of  people  applied  themselves  to 
what  might  aggrandize  that  illustrious  body,  has  served 
as  a  pattern  for  all  other  nations  in  Europe,  who  value 
themselves  for  their  brightness  of  understanding,  or  love 
for  the  liberal  arts.  What  fatal  destiny,  what  fanatical 
fury,  could  transport  the  magistrates  of  Berne  to  become 
the  enemies  of  Masonry — the  enemies  of  a  society  who 
had  never  done  them  wrong,  or  impeached  of  one  un- 
worthy deed  ?  Is  it  then  that  innocence,  capable  every- 
where of  curbing  the  fiercest  and  most  malignant  disposi- 
tions, can  make  no  impression  upon  the  callous  hearts 
of  those  sage  republicans?  No;  the  cruel  prejudices 
with  which  they  armed  themselves  against  the  noble 
craft,  has  caused  them  to  publish  an  ordonnance  for  their 
abolition,  containing  assertions  as  unjust  as  ill-founded 
against  the  society  of  Freemasons,  "who  had  slyly  and 
artfully  crept  into  that  country."  On  reading  this,  who 
could  restrain  the  fervency  and  zeal  with  which  he  must 
be  inflamed  for  the  honour  and  glory  of  this  ancient  and 
venerable  society?  This  it  was  that  led  the  writer  of 
this  little  Essay  to  make  all  possible  efforts  for  their  de- 
fence, by  imparting  to  the  public  some  reflections  by  way 
of  apology  for  the  Masons,  upon  their  being  so  violently 
attacked  by  the  magistrates  of  Berne.  But  that  the 


21  The  first  lodge  in  Switzerland  was  founded  at  Geneva,  in  1737  ;  llu; 
second  in  Lausanne,  by  a  warrant  from  the  Duke  of  Montague,  in  ]  7;-il». 
which  was  subsequently  made  the  Grand  Lodge.     Accession  to  Freema- 
sonry was  forbidden  ;  but  no  particular  regard  was  paid  to  the  decree  at 
present ;  but  it  operated  as  a  clog  upon  the  craft,  and  prevented,  to  a 
certain  extent,  the  dissemination  of  its  principles. 

22  And  this  might,  as  it  should  appear,  be  done  safely  when  the  King 
of  Prussia  was  the  avowed  protector  of  the  Masons  of  Germany,  and  the 
reigning  Duke  of  Brunswick  their  Grand  Master ;  the  Princej?  of  Luuen- 
burg,  Hesse  Cassel,  &c.,  Prov.  Grand  Masters  in  Denmark,  Hamburgh, 
<fcc.;  and  FT.  R.  H.  Joseph,  Duke  of  Courland,  protector  of  the  Masons 
there. 


FREE    AND    ACCEPTED    MASONS.  67 

several  articles  of  this  Ofdonnaaee  may  by  the  reader  be 
better  examined  one  by  one,  and  by  which  he  will  be  the 
better  enabled  to  judge  the  force  of  the  reasons  made  use 
of  against  it,  made  it  necessary  to  insert  the  said  ordon- 
nance  here  at  length,  not  deviating  in  the  least  from  the 
original.  It  is  set  forth  in  these  words  : — 

We  the  advoyer,  the  little  and  great  council  of  the 
city  and  republic  of  Berne,  make  known  to  all  men  by 
these  presents :  Having  learnt  that  a  certain  society, 
called  Freemasons,  spreads  itself  every  day  more  and 
more  into  all  the  cities  and  towns  under  our  government, 
and  that  the  persons  who  have  joined  the  said  society 
are  received  under  various  solemn  engagements,  and  even 
by  oath.  Wherefore,  having  seriously  reflected  upon 
the  consequences  thereof,  and  considered  that  such  meet- 
ings and  associations  are  directly  contrary  to  the  funda- 
mental laws  and  constitutions  of  our  country,  and  in 
particular  to  the  protection  required  on  our  part  to  dis- 
countenance any  assemblies  under  our  government, 
without  our  knowledge  and  express  permission ;  more- 
over it  has  appeared  to  us,  that  if  an  effectual  remedy 
was  riot  immediately  taken,  the  consequence  of  that 
neglect  might  be  dangerous  to  the  state.  For  these  rea- 
sons, and  through  our  paternal  affection  as  much  for  the 
public  good  as  the  private  advantage  of  all  our  citizens 
and  subjects,  we  have  found  it  absolutely  necessary  to 
dissolve  and  totally  abolish  the  said  society,  which  we 
do  by  these  presents  ;  and  henceforth  for  ever  we  forbid, 
annul,  and  abolish  it  in  all  our  territories  and  districts, 
to  all  persons  that  now  are,  or  shall  hereafter  come  into 
our  dominions:  and  we  do  in  the  first  place  ordain  and 
decree,  that  all  those,  our  citizens  and  subjects,  who  are 
actually  known  to  be  Freemasons,  shall  be  obliged  im- 
mediately to  abjure,  by  oath,  the  engagements  they  have 
taken  in  the  said  society,  before  the  bailiff*  or  officer  of 
the  district  where  they  live,  without  delay.  And  as  to 
our  citizens  and  subjects  who  actually  are.  Freemasons, 
and  not  publicly  known  to  be  such,  and  who,  neverthe- 
less, at  present  reside  in  our  dominions,  or  may  hereafter 
come  under  our  obedience,  our  sovereign  will  and  plea- 
sure is,  that  those  who  shall  be  found  in  our  dominions 
shall  be  bound  to  renounce  their  obligation  in  the  space 
4 


68  AN    APOLOf5Y    FOR    THE 

of  one,  mouth  from  the  date  hereof ;  rind  those  who  ard 
absent  must  submit  to  the  same  terms,  to  be  reckoned 
from  the  day  of  their  return,  not  only  to  accuse  them- 
selves, but  to  abjure  and  renounce  their  engagements, 
those  who  present  themselves  in  our  capital  city,  to  tin. 
reigning  Advoyer,  and  in  other  cities,  and  in  the  coun- 
try, to  the  bailiff  of  the  place;  and  from  them  they  shall 
receive  assurance  of  safety  to  their  persons,  if  tln-y  abjure 
and  renounce  their  obligations  without  delay,  in  the  sain; 
form  as  all  other  Masons  are  obliged  to  do. 

Upon  failure  in  any  part  hereof,  they  shall  all  undergo 
the  punishment  hereafter  declared.  But  to  the  end  that 
no  person  shall  dare,  for  the  time  to  come,  to  entice, 
tempt,  solicit,  or  be  so  enticed,  tempted,  or  solicited,  tc 
engage  him,  or  themselves,  into  this  same  society  of 
Freemasons,  we  have  thought  lit  to  ordain  and  decree  as 
follows : 

That  all  those  Masons  who  shall  hold  their  assemblies 
in*"our  dominions,  or  who  shall  entice,  tempt,  or  solicit 
others  into  their  associations,  as  well  as  all  our  citizens 
and  subjects  in  our  dominions,  and  elsewhere,  as  also 
those  who  have  been  set  at  liberty,  shall  for  the  future 
frequent  such  assemblies,  they  shall  all  and  every  of 
them  be  subjected  to  the  fine  of  one  hundred  crowns, 
without  remission  ;  and  likewise  be  deprived  of  what- 
ever place,  trust,  benefit,  or  employment,  he  shall  now 
hold  ;  and  if  they  have  no  present  employment  or  office, 
shall  be  rendered  incapable  of  holding  any  such  for  the 
time  to  come. 

And  touching  the  place  or  lodge  where  this  kind  of 
assemblies  are  held  for  the  future,  the  person  or  persons 
who  shall  let  or  furnish  them  with  a  house,  room,  or 
place,  for  the  holding  of  such  lodge,  shall  be  subjected 
to  the  same  fine  of  one  hundred  crowns;  one-third  of 
which  to  the  informer,  one-third  to  the  bailiff  of  the 
place,  and  one-third  to  the  hospitals,  or  fund  of  the  poor, 
where  such  assembly  shall  be  held.  Let  it  be  well  un- 
derstood that  all  offenders  who  shall  leave  our  dominions, 
in  order  to  satisfy  the  payment  of  the  said  fine,  shall  be 
banished  from  our  dominions  for  ever,  or  till  they  shall 
have  paid  the  said  fine,  and  shall  not  return  again  till 
they  have  paid  it,  upon  pain  of  death.  We  moreover 
reserve,  at  pleasure,  to  punish  with  more  or  less  rigour, 


FREE    AND    ACCEPTED    MASONS.  G9 

according  to  the  case  of  the  person  so  rendering  himself 
up  to  our  sovereign  pleasure,  or  those  who,  notwith- 
standing their  abjuration,  shall  have  again  entered  into 
the  society,  or  frequent  any  of  their  assemblies. 

We  do  finally  ordain  and  command,  that  all  our  bailiffs 
and  ministers  of  justice  do  cause  these  presents  to  be  pub- 
lished in  all  churches,  and  to  be  fixed  up  in  the  accus- 
tomed places,  and  see  that  these,  our  commands,  are 
strictly  and  faithfully  executed. 

Given  in  our  great  council  the  3rd  of  March,  1745. 

It  is  not  intended  to  assert  that  princes  have  not  the 
right  to  forbid  their  subjects  from  entering  into  any 
society  or  community,  but  really  to  show  the  contrary 
by  unexceptionable  arguments.  All  sovereigns  have  the 
authority  to  determine  the  actions  of  their  subjects, 
provided  they  are  by  a  necessity,  as  well  natural  as 
moral,  or  by  the  fundamental  laws  of  the  place,  capable 
of  an  obvious  determination.  The  exercise  of  Masonry, 
then,  comes  not  under  the  number  of  those  determinable 
actions,  which,  by  necessity  or  fundamental  laws,  are 
exempted  from  the  sovereign  authority.  Princes  may 
act  as  they  think  fit  with  respect  to  the  exercise  of  Ma- 
sonry ;  yet  let  it  be  well  noticed,  that  what  is  here 
asserted  will  oftener  accord  with  the  absolute  power  of 
a  sovereign  than  with  the  common  and  natural  rights  of 
mankind  and  strict  justice,  which  are  frequently  of  a 
direct  contrary  tendency.  The  ordonnance  of  the  Can- 
ton of  Berne  is  not  to  be  attacked  on  the  side  of  sove- 
reign power,  but  in  the  unjust  motives,  suppositions, 
and  groundless  imputations,  that  occasioned  the  over- 
hasty  magistrates  to  accomplish  the  extirpation  of  the 
fraternity.  This  event  has,  however,  answered  one  salu- 
tary end  of  clearing  up  the  integrity  of  the  Masons,  and 
setting  their  innocence  and  sufferings,  their  noble  and 
unexceptionable  demeanour,  and  other  their  admirable 
deeds,  in  a  proper  point  of  view  ;  which  shining  merits, 
it  should  have  been  thought,  might  have  produced  the 
highest  praise,  instead  of  unworthy  and  unjustifiable 
reproach.23  The  ordonnance  sets  forth  "  that  if  an  effec- 

33  A  writer  in  the  Freemasons'  Quarterly  Keview,  (Sit  Lux)  under  date 
1845,  very  truly  says  :  "  In  the  present  day  we  are  looked  upon  with  a 


70  AN    APOLOGY    FOR    THE 

tual  remedy  was  not  immediately  taken,  the  consequence 
of  that  neglect  might  be  dangerous  to  the  stnte."  Is  it 
possible  that  the  clear-sighted  republicans  <>l  JJerne  could 
discover  such  gross  ignorance,  and  afford  their  counte- 
nance and  attention  to  the  mean  and  base  surmises  every- 
where industriously  propagated  and  served  up  to  tin; 
higher  powers  against  the  Masons?  What  dangerous 
consequence  could  ensue  if  they  were  not  afraid  of  tin* 
fraternity's  stirring  up  sedition  arid  rebellion  against  the 
government?  The  supposition  is  worthy  the  supposes. 
The  abolishing  of  supreme  power,  let  it  be  exercised  by 
whomsoever  it  will — by  kings,  or  by  particular  persons, 
lords  or  magistrates,  invested  with  sovereign  powrr, 
could  tend  to  no  other  end  than  subverting  all  order  in 
civil  society,  create  confusion,  and  involve  the  country 
in  destruction.  The  state  or  government,  say  the  ene- 
mies of  Masonry,  ought  to  examine  narrowly  into  and 
abolish  the  fraternity,  because  it  spreads  all  over  the 
world,  and  its  members  are  united  by  obligations,  so 
much  the  more  strong  and  durable,  as  they  are  the  less 
exposed  to  open  day  and  vulgar  eyes ;  a  word  can  call 
them  together  ;  wound  one,  and  you  maim  the  whole 
body;  one  common  interest  unites  them  all  as  Brethren. 
Their  mysteries  must  then  cover  some  scheme  fora  revo- 
lution, which  must  be  prevented.  As  they  profess  an 
indiscriminate  obedience  to  their  Grand  Master  and  his 
officers,24  all  the  world  is  threatened  with  being  reduced 

considerable  degree  of  shyness  by  the  Romish  church,  and  indeed  are 
openly  denounced  by  some  of  their  clergy  as  an  unchristian  body ;  while 
in  old  times  the  fraternity  was  chiefly  composed  of  lloman  Catholics  ; 
and  it  is  to  them  we  are  indebted  for  those  specimens  of  ancient  architec- 
ture now  remaining,  the  principle  of  which  style  of  building  was  confined 
to  themselves,  and  in  my  opinion  formed  one  of  the  great  secrets  preserved 
among  Masons,  and  the  knowledge  of  which  Sir  C.  Wren  acknowledged 
to  have  been  lost  even  in  his  day.  That  peculiar  style  of  ecclesiastical 
architecture,  the  knowledge  of  which  was  formerly  confined  to  our  ancient 
Brethren,  contained  a  secret  reference  to  the  doctrine  of  the  cr< 
the  mystery  of  the  Trinity;  and  yet,  strange  to  say,  we,  who  as  an  Order 
are  descended  from  those  ancient  Brethren,  are  now  denounced  us  anti- 
christiau ;  and  our  system  as  unholy,  though  we  contend  that  it  is  founded 
on  the  purest  principles  of  piety  and  virtue/'  There  is  a  great  deal  of 
truth  in  these  observations ;  and'  they  are  fully  exemplified  in  the  "  Apo- 
logy for  the  Freemasons,"  published  by  Bro.  Spencer  in  1846. 

24  MAGISTER  was  the  original  term  universally  applied  to  an  architect, 
mid  which,  in  distinction  to  his  small  band  of  associated  Masons,  was 
1 1  ntinued  to  the  latest  period.  Thus,  Alexander  cle  Berneval  was  Maitre 


FREE    AND    ACCEPTED    MASONS.  71 

to  slavery  and  bondage  by  them,  if  they  are  not  immedi- 
ately extirpated  without  distinction.  Every  one  will 
readily  perceive  the  folly  and  impertinence  of  these  frivo- 
lous and  pitiful  suggestions,  as  it  requires  but  a  small 
portion  of  common  sense  to  discern  both  their  malice 
and  ignorance.2'5 

If  the  conduct  of  the  fraternity  be  examined  in  every 
place  where  they  have  yet  been  established,  it  is  utterly 
impossible  to  suppose  Masonry  so  pernicious  or  so  de- 
structive in  its  designs  and  tendency ;  and  to  have  no- 
thing in  view  but  the  subversion  of  the  civil  power, 
which  they  are  ready  to  own  comes  directly  from  Al- 
mighty God.26  How  can  it  be  thought  credible  that 

des  oeuvres  de  Ma^onrie,  at  the  cathedral  at  Rouen.  Depositor  operum, 
literally,  he  who  lays  a  foundation  or  gives  a  plan.  The  generic  word 
was  Ccementarius,  which,  or  Magister  iupidam,  was  used  by  the  earliest 
Italian  writers  upon  architecture.  In  the  epitaph  of  the  Master  Mason 
of  the  abbey  of  Caen,  in  Normandy,  he  is  styled  "  G-ulielmm  jacet  Pclra- 
rum  summus  in  arte /"  and  in  St.  Michael's  •Church,  at  St.  Albaris — 
"T.  Wolvey,  Latomus  summus  in  arte,''  &c.  Latomus  or  Lithotomus  is, 
literally,  Stonehewer  (Lapicida),a,nd  differs  in  some  degree  from  Csemen- 
tarius ;  the  first-mentioned  is  a  rough  Mason  or  E.  A.  P.,  the  other 
squared  and  polished  the  blocks  of  stone  or  ashlars,  being  the  Fellow-crafts. 

-5  This,  however,  has  been  the  uniform  course  adopted  by  bigots  and 
tyrants.  The  mysteries  of  Freemasonry  were  the  object  of  suspicion. 
It  was  this  which  induced  Trajan  to  reject  the  advice  of  Pliny,  when  he 
recommended  colleges  or  lodges  of  Masons  to  be  formed  for  rebuilding 
the  city  of  Nicodemia,  which  had  been  burnt  down.  Pliny  says,  (Epist. 
xlii.) — "  Tu  Domine  despice,  an  instituendum  putes,  Collegium  Fabrorum, 
duntaxat  liomiuum  cl.;  ego  attendant  ne  quis  nisi  Faber  recipiatur,  neve 
jure  concesso,  in  aliud  utatur.  Nee  erit  difficile  custodire  tarn  paucos." 
The  emperor  refuses  for  this  extraordinary  reason — "  Sed  meminerinms 
provinciarn  istam  et  praecipue  eas  civitates,  ab  ejusmodi  factionibus  e*se 
vexatas" 

'x  Nothing  can  show  the  absurd  pretences  which  were  resorted  to  for 
persecution  more  than  the  following  anecdote,  taken  from  the  Freemasons' 
Lexicon  : — "  Aix-la-Chapelle  is  remarkable  for  a  persecution  of  the  Free- 
masons in  1779.  A  Dominican  monk,  named  Ludwig  Greinemaun,  a 
lecturer  on  theology,  endeavoured  to  prove,  by  a  course  of  sermons 
preached  during  Lent,  that  the  Jews  who  crucified  our  Saviour  wcro 
Freemasons ;  that  Pilate  and  Herod  were  the  Wardens  of  a  Masons' 
Lodge ;  that  Judas,  before  he  betrayed  his  Master,  was  initiated  in  the 
Synagogue;  and  that  when  he  returned  the  thirty  pieces  of  silver,  he 
did  no  more  than  pay  the  fees  for  initiation  into  the  Order.  The  magis- 
trates, to  quiet  the  commotion  raised  among  the  people  by  these  dis- 
courses, published  a  decree,  which  provided  that  "  if  any  one  shall  offer 
a  refuge  in  his  house  to  the  Freemasons,  or  allow  them  to  assemble  there, 
he  shall  be  punished  for  the  first  offence  with  a  fine  of  one  hundred  florins; 
for  the  second  oftbnce,  two  hundred  florins;  and  for  the^ third  offence,  with 
perpetual  banishment  from  the  city  and  its  territories.1' 


^2  A\    AFOLOGV    FOR    THE 

they  should  admit  not  only  magistrates,  but  noblemen, 
great  princes,  and  even  crowned  heads,  to  the  mysteries 
of  an  Order,  the  end  of  which  was  only  to  subvert  and 
destroy  their  power?  Can  such  a  thought  as  this  ent<-r 
into  the  mind  of  a  man  endowed  with  one  grain  of  com- 
mon sense?  It  is  not  to  be  found  in  the  earliest  histories 
from  the  first  establishment  of  Masonry  to  this  day,  that 
they  ever  bore  a  part  in  the  intrigues  and  troubles  that 
have  been  the  forerunners  of  most  cruel  revolutions  in 
many  kingdoms  and  states  of  the  world.27  Even  in  Eng- 
land, a  kingdom  of  all  others  the  most  subject  to  these 
convulsions,  the  fraternity  always  appeared  with  the 
greatest  lustre  and  glory ;  yet  such  was  the  decorum 
they  observed  there,  that  none  can  discern  the  least  sha- 
dow or  pretence  that  might  cause  them  to  be  suspected 
of  what  is  called  in  that  icnowned  island,  "party  fac- 
tion," a  thing  directly  contrary  to  the  preservation  and 
continuance  of  that  sacred  tie  which  unites  them  all 
upon  their  becoming  Brethren.  From  the  same  motives 
it  is  that  they  are  enjoined  iu  all  their  assemblies  on  no 
account  to  speak  of  political  affairs,28  not  only  that  no 
umbrage  may  be  given  to  the  civil  powers,  but  that  no 
dissensions  of  that  kind  may  arise  in  the  lodges,  which 


27  The  earliest  charge  to  a  newly-initiated  Brother  which  I  have  met 
v,  ith,  contains  the  following  extract  on  the  above  subject.     It  w;i 
before  1730  ;  and  is  valuable  on  account  of  its  antiquity,  and  becunx*  it 
sl;ows  the  ancient  creed  of  a  Mason  respecting  his  conduct  as  a  im  niU-r 
of  civil  society: — "Brethren,  you  are  now  admitted,  by  the  unanimous 
a  nsent  of  our  lodge,  a  fellow  of  our  most  ancient  and  honourable  society  : 
ancient,  as  having  subsisted  from  times  immemorial ;  and  honourable,  as 
tei  ding  in  every  particular  to  render  a  man  so,  that  will  be  but  conionn- 
ub'e  to  its  glorious  precepts.     The  greatest  monarchs  in  ali  ages,  as  \\vii 
<;i  Asia  and  Africa  as  of  Europe,  have  been  encouragers  of  the  roynl 
art ;  and  many  of  them  have  presided  as  Grand  Masters  over  the  Masons 
in  their  respective  territories,  not  thinking  it  any  lessening  to  their  impe- 
rial dignities  to  level  themselves  with  their  Brethren  in  Masonry,  and  to 
act  as  they  did." 

28  The  very  foundation  principle  of  Masonry  is  the  exclusion  of  religion 
and  politics  ;  because  the  lodges  ought  to  admit  men  of  all  religious  and 
political  opinions.     To  exclade  them  would  be  a  species  of  intolerance  as 
bad  as  that  which  prompted  the  papal  persecutions  of  the  Order.     It  is 
equally  inconsistent  with  the  tenets  of  our  profession,  and  at  variance 
with  the  ancient  landmarks  of  the  Order,  which  all  unite  to  conciliate 
true  friendship  amongst  the  members  of  the  masonic  family,  and  to  em- 
brace men  of  every  country,  sect,  and  opinion,  who  have  been  initiated 
into  its  mysteries. 


FREE    AND    ACCEPTED    MASONS.  73 

have  sown  the  seeds  of  discord  and  hatred  among  the  most 
intimate  friends.  Against  this,  the  oath  they  take  is  so 
sacred,  that  it  is  held  as  the  most  heinous  crime  to  vio- 
late it.  Who  can  suspect  the  Masons  of  engaging  in 
plots  which  rarely  have  ended  but  by  bringing  the  most 
nourishing  kingdoms  to  the  brink  of  destruction?  Surely 
neither  the  religion  nor  policy  of  a  state  or  kingdom  had 
so  often  been  shaken,  or  such  seas  of  blood  been  spilt, 
if  those  who  govern  had  been  Masons,  or  at  least  had 
put  in  practice  what  they  account  as  a  crime.  Far  from 
degrading  the  authority  of  sovereigns,  the  Masons  always 
have  been,  and  ever  will  be,  faithful,  steady,  arid  zealous 
defenders  of  it.29 

From  what  lias  been  said,  it  must  appear  plainly  to 
all  that  will  throw  aside  partiality  and  imaginary  preju- 
dices, that  the  grave  magistrates  of  Berne  have  been  the 
most  mistaken  of  any  people  in  the  world  in  the  preten- 
sions of  their  ordonnance,  to  think  that  any  dangerous 
consequences  could  accrue  to  them  from  the  assemblies 
of  the  Masons— a  society  which  has  no  other  intentions 
than  to  promote  peace,  love,  union,  and  harmony  among 
all  men  j30  ami  who  might  have  flattered  themselves,  not 
only  with  beirg  cordially  received,  but  protected  in  every 
state,  as  they  propagated  nothing  but  what  would  make 
every  one  hapr  v  who  is  willing  to  be  so.  Another  arti- 
cle of  the  order? nance  runs  thus:  "All  those  who  are 
actually  known  for  Freemasons,  shall  be  obliged  to  ab- 
jure by  oath  tho.  engagements  they  have  taken  in  the 
said  society."  This  matter  must  be  closely  examined, 
to  see  if  the  gentlemen  of  Berne  had  a  right  to  push 
their  ill-will  to  this  great  extremity,  and  to  oblige  their 

29  Smith's  "  Use  and  Abuse  of  Freemasonry"  was  dedicated  to   the 
King  of  Prussia,  where  we  find  him  saying — "  As  the  author  had  the 
honour  to  learn  the  first  rudiments  of  war  in  your^  majesty's  service, 
during  seven  instructive  campaigns,  and  is  connected  with  some  of  the 
most  ancient  and  noble  families  in  the  Prussian  dominions,  is  thereby 
induced  to  offer  this  work  as  a  tribute  of  his  unfeigned  duty  and  respect 
to  the  greatest  of  kings,  to  the  most  valiant  of  heroes,  the  greatest  philo- 
sopher, poet,  ard  politician  the  world  ever  beheld." 

30  Masonry  expands  itself,  says  a  celebrated  writer  of  the  last  century, 
over  the  whole  universe  ;  and  as  "  it  shines  refulgent  by  the  splendour  of 
its  buildings,  and  the  excellence  of  its  work,  let  Masons  also  shine  as 
lights  of  the  world  by  their  virtue,  their  benevolence,  their  charity.     As 
the  walls  of  a  lodge  circumscribe  the  social  band,  let  friendship  unite  our 
hearts  by  every  virtuous  tie ;  so  that  our  Order  may  be  for  ever  established 
in  truth  and  righteousness." 


74  AN   APOLOGY   FOR   THE 

subjects  to  take  this  unheard-of  step,  and  accuse  them- 
selves, which  will  appear  the  more  violent  from  the  consi- 
derations that  follow. 

The  reception  or  initiation  of  a  new  brother  is,  by  an 
express  agreement,  made  between  the  Master  of  the 
lodge  and  the  person  who  requests  to  be  admitted.  By 
this  agreement  or  compact,  not  only  the  lodge  of  which 
he  is  Master,  but  also  the  whole  Order  of  Freemasons, 
acquire  a  well-grounded  right,  which  obliges  this  new- 
made  Brother  to  an  exact  and  faithful  observance  of  the 
laws  of  the  fraternity,  and  to  set  his  hand  thereto  ;  and 
also  not  to  commit  any  action  that  may  ever  so  remotely 
tend  to  the  discredit  or  disgrace  of  the  fraternity  in 
general.  This  no  prince  or  magistrate  would  ever  have 
known,  and  therefore  could  not  have  deprived  them  of; 
but  that  the  exercise  of  Masonry  not  being  before  inter- 
dicted, enjoying,  not  only  in  Berne,  but  in  other  parts 
of  Switzerland,  perfect  liberty  and  freedom,  rendered  it 
of  no  moment  to  make  public.  The  subjects,  in  becom- 
ing Masons,  have  not  done  anything  contrary  to  the  laws 
of  the  country  under  which  they  live,  and,  of  course,  can- 
not, with  the  least  appearance  of  justice,  be  taxed  or 
punished  at  all,  not  having  committed  any  crime.  But 
to  force  a  Mason  to  abjure  by  oath  the  solemn  arid  harm- 
less engagements  he  has  entered  into  by  his  own  free 
choice,  and  without  solicitation,  would  be  the  most 
shameful  breach  of  human  liberty,  the  severest  inflic- 
tion, and  greatest  disgrace  that  ever  befel  a  Mason.  Xo. 
death  itself  would  be  more  welcome  to  him  than  to  be 
necessitated  to  commit  so  base  and  foul  an  action.  And 
surely  it  may  be  inferred  that  the  magistrates  of  Berne 
can  never  be  ?o  cruel  as  to  attempt  putting  this  infernal 
article  into  execution,  it  not  being  more  contradictory 
1o  natural  justice  than  to  the  sacred  observance  and  only 
tie  among  men — an  oath. 

it  may  be  deemed  superfluous  to  say  that  a  voluntary 
renunciation  is  the  most  ridiculous  thing  that  could  be 
required  of  a  Mason.  It  is  nevertheless  set  forth  that 
they  are  not  only  to  accuse  themselves,  but  in  conse- 
quence of  that  accusal  or  renunciation,  they  must  abjure 
their  engagements  without  delay.31  A  voluntary  renun- 

31  Plutarch  relates  that  during  the  persecutions  of  the  Pythagorean 
Order,  when  the  members  were  banished,  a  few  secretly  assembled  in  a 


FREE    AND    ACCEPTED    MASONS.  75 

elation  is  acknowledging  they  have  done  wrong,  or  that 
they  have  offended  against  some  laws  of  the  country. 
Therefore,  in  order  to  induce  the  Masons  to  confess  that 
they  are  in  the  wrong,  the  Canton  of  Berne  must  prove 
the  rectitude  of  their  proceedings  from  laws  of  more 
ancient  date  than  their  said  gracious  ordonnarice,  which 
they  never  will  be  able  to  do. 

"  But  to  the  end  that  no  person  should  dare  to  enter 
into  the  society  of  Freemasons,  we  ordain,"  &c. 

That  is  to  say,  the  magistrates  of  Berne  having  been 
so  grievously  misinformed  of  the  real  end  and  designs  of 
the  fraternity,  not  to  know  what  was  most  for  their  wel- 
fare ;  because  by  their  ordonnance  they  have  destroyed 
the  endeavours  which  only  tended  to  make  their  subjects 
happy.  Jealousy  and  envy  have  taken  absolute  posses- 
sion of  the  hearts  of  these  republicans,  and  carry  with 
them  a  most  cruel  characteristic,  because  they  sacrificed 
an  advantage  worthy  of  being  envied,  arid  which  many 
other  provinces  received  with  open  arms.  They  have 
strove  hard  that  the  happy  effects  attending  their  sub- 
jects should  be  enjoyed  by  strangers.  Instead  of  repin- 
ing at  their  conduct,  the  fraternity,  without  regret,  left 
this  savage  and  scabby  country — the  frightful  moun- 
tains, and  dreadful  precipices — to  procure  to  themselves 
a  more  delightful  and  pleasant  retreat,  where  they  may 
enjoy  the  delights  of  Masonry,  true  peace,  and  the  good 
things  of  this  li-fe,  without  discontent  or  persecution.32 

It  is  grievous  to  be"  obliged  to  make  these  gentle  and 
condescending  reflections  ;  but  they  are  our  enemies,  have 
put  the  sword  into  our  hands,  and  the  law  of  nature 
directs  every  man  to  defend  himself,  when  he  is  unjustly 


house  at  Metapontum,  when  the  inhabitants,  in  their  bigotted  fury,  set 
fire  to  the  house,  and  destroyed  them  all  except  two,  who,  being  young 
and  active,  escaped  through  the  fire.  One  of  them  tied  to  the  Lucauians, 
where  he  collected  a  strong  party ;  they  vanquished  their  persecutors, 
and  re-established  their  society. 

32  It  does  not  appear  that  they  were  absolutely  safe  even  in  other  parts 
of  the  world  ;  for  Major  Franchise  d'Alincourt,  in  1767,  a  French  gen- 
tleman, and  Don  Oyres  de  Ornellas  Pra^ao,  a  Portuguese  nobleman,  were 
sent  to  prison  by  the  governor  of  the  island  of  Madeira  for  being  Free- 
masons. They  were  sent  to  Lisbon  as  prisoners,  and  confined  in  a ^ com- 
mon goal  for  fourteen  months  ;  where  they  would  absolutely  have  perished, 
had  not  the  brethren  at  Lisbon  generously  supported  them,  and  by  their 
intercession  with  Don  Martinio  de  Mello  they  were  at  last  released. 
4* 


76  AN    APOLOGY    FOR    THE 

attacked.  The  liberty  we  profess  and  avow  makes  us 
look  upon  the  assults  of  these  miscreants  with  contempt ; 
all  the  revenge  we  seek,  for  the  injurious  reflections  they 
cast  upon  us,  is  to  demean  ourselves  everywhere,  so  as 
to  gain  the  esteem  of  all  who  choose  to  be  guided  by 
sound  reason.  There  really  is  very  little  in  the  pompous 
ordon nance  worthy  of  notice,  but  what  vanishes  in 
smoke,  unless  the  swaggering  title  seems  to  tell  you  the 
contrary.  Should  it  not  seem  to  be  a  work  of  more  than 
ordinary  wisdom  against  the  Masons,  since  the  magistrates 
of  Berne  were  so  good  as  to  let  the  world  know  they 
had  condemned  what  they  never  either  saw  or  knew  , 
that  is  to  say,  a  true  description  of  Masonry,  and  a  pic- 
ture of  a  real  Mason  ?33  They  must  then  be  indulged  ;  it 
is  to  be  hoped  they  will  not  be  offended  at  having  the 
portrait  of  a  Mason  drawn  for  them,  to  convince  them, 
if  possible,  of  the  error  into  which  they  have  unfortunate- 
ly plunged  themselves.  But,  having  in  the  beginning 
of  these  reflections  given  a  distant  view  of  Masonry,  we 
shall  here  trace  out  its  effects  upon  the  conduct  of  human 
life.  It  always  affords  inward  peace,  but  a  peace  not  in 
the  least  tending  to  a  careless  inactivity;  it  is  productive 
of  the  best  actions,  preserving  such  an  evenness  and 
tranquillity,  under  all  discouraging  events,  as  places  them 
far  above  the  little  trifling  incidents  that  affect  the  human 
race  in  their  pursuits  after  happiness.  They  know  that 
bitterness  and  remorse  of  conscience  ever  attend  the 
doing  wrong,  and  are  the  greatest  reproach  to  the  probi 
ty  they  have  ever  maintained,  and,  therefore,  endeavour 
to  enlarge  the  good  conduct  they  so  rigidly  impose,  to 
avoid  reproach  from  their  enemies,  and  to  show  that  the 
practice  of  real  goodness  is  the  only  thing  that  can  make 
a  good  and  true  Mason.  They  are  taught  to  hope  mo- 

33  Masonry  now  flourishes  among  the  Protestants  of  this  country,  and 
it  has  a  Grand  Lodge  called  "The  National  Lodge  of  Switzerland," 
which  has  issued  a  hook  of  ceremonies,  drawn  up  in  the  true  spirit  of 
Masonry,  although  containing  some  errors.  It  is  called  "The  Helvetian 
Ceremonies  of  Masons,  said  to  come  from  Egypt."  And  it  commences 
thus  : — "  Master  Masons  will  know  that  in  this  ritual  there  are  none  of 
our  mysteries  ;  the  book  is  intended  to  assist  Masters  of  lodges  in  solemn, 
days  and  great  ceremonies  of  Freemasonry ;  as  also  to  instruct  them  in 
some  things  of  importance  for  the  external  dignity  of  the  craft.  On  the 
2nd  of  June,  1847,  a  representative  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Switzerland 
was  formally  introduced  to  the  Grand  Lodge  of  England. 


FREE    AND    ACCEPTED    MASONS.  77 

derately,  to  suffer  patiently,  to  take  pleasure  in  what 
they  enjoy,  to  hope  for  little,  and  that  little  to  be  need- 
ful. Their  duty  is  their  good-will  to  mankind  ;  and  they 
live  not  so  much  for  themselves  as  for  others;  their  es- 
chewing evil  and  doing  good  exalts  their  understandings, 
renders  pleasure  more  pleasurable,  and  makes  them  more 
happy  in  happiness,  and  less  miserable  in  trouble.34  In  a 
word,  if  truly  noble  institutions,  backed  with  all  the 
force  and  strength  of  reason  and  refined  taste,  if  that 
which  is  solidly  happy,  and  truly  virtuous,  deserves  any 
praise,  they  have  a  just  claim  to  it,  in  spite  of  the  dirty 
efforts  of  those  mean  and  wicked  persons,  the  fautors  of 
falsehood,  who  are  eternally  exclaiming  against  the  vices, 
the  passions,  and  imperfections  of  men,  and  are  the  first 
to  commit  what  they  condemn,  though  under  the  cover- 
ing of  puritanical  sanctity. 

Masonry  is  the  daughter  of  heaven  ;  and  happy  are 
those  who  embrace  her  i  By  it,  youth  is  passed  over 
without  agitation,  the  middle  age  without  anxiety,  and 
old  age  without  remorse.  Masonry  teaches  the  way  to 
content — a  thing  almost  unknown  to  the  greatest  part  of 
mankind.  In  short,  its  ultimate  result  is  to  enjoy  in 
security  the  things  that  are  ;  to  reject  all  meddlers  in  state 
affairs  or  religion,  or  of  a  trifling  nature ;  to  embrace 
those  of  real  moment,  and  worthy  tendency,  with  fer- 
vency and  zeal  unfeigned,  as  sure  of  being  unchangeable, 
as  ending  in  happiness.  They  are  rich  without  riches, 
intrinsically  possessing  all  desirable  good;  and,  in  short, 
have  the  less  to  wish  for,  by  the  enjoyment  of  what  they 
have.  Liberty,  peace,  and  tranquillity  are  the  only 
objects  worth  their  efforts,  trouble,  and  diligence.  Un- 
discerning  mortals  think  to  procure  these  by  heaping  up 
riches;  and  riches  are  the  only  obstacles  against  what 
they,  with  so  much  diligence  and  industry,  desire  to  attain. 
What  is  more  common  than  to  see  men  argue  less  reason- 
ably, when  they  pretend  to  have  most  reason  ?  Is  it  rea- 
sonable to  be  exclaiming  at  all  times,  and  in  all  places, 
against  the  fickleness  and  instability  of  fortune,  making 

34  Shakespeare  well  described  the  influence  of  Masonry  on  the  human 
heart,  when  he  put  into  the  mouth  of  Hamlet  these  noble  ideas  :—"  What 
a  piece  of  work  is  man !  how  noble  in  reason !  how  infinite  in  faculty ! 
in  form  and  moving  how  express  and  admirable !  in  action  how  like  au 
angel !  in  apprehension  how  like  a  god  3" 


AN    APOLOGY    FOR    THE 

idle  and  impertinent  reflections  on  pa*t  events,  ami  eithei 
give  themselves  up  to  continiuil  murmuring  for  the  pre- 
sent, or  to  the  most  frightful  apprehensions  for  the  time 
to  comeV  The  reasonable  man,  it  may  he  said  the  good 
Mason,  is  contented  in  his  situation,  finds  his  temper 
sweetened,  and  his  manners  refined,  happy  in  the  time 
present,  and  thinks  of  the  time  to  come  without  any 
dread  of  it;  he  knows  so  well  how  to  enjoy  it,  as  not  to 
be  led  away  with  empty  and  vague  pursuits ;  instead  of 
troubling  the  public  with  his  thoughts  and  reflections, 
he  only  studies  to  accomplish  the  desirable  end  of  public 
utility,  by  privately  inculcating  every  necessarv  duty. 
He  chooses  a  way  of  life  suited  to  his  fortune,  makes 
choice  of  friends  conformable  to  his  own  character;  and 
by  acting  thus,  he  gives  no  mean  pi-oof  of  his  wisdom 
and  taste  of  true  virtue,  so  much  talked  of,  and  so  seldom 
found  among  those  mean  and  gloomy  souls,  wTho  think 
that  the  greatest  piety  consists  in  making  scruples  of  all 
kinds,  in  having  the  holy  leer  and  hypocritical  cant  of  a 
strait-laced  Christian, who,  not  having  discernment  enough 
to  see  anything  as  it  should  be,  would  represent  Almighty 
God  like  themselves,  for  ever  with  the  brand  of  destruc- 
tion in  his  hand.35 

The  Masons  detest  this  infernal  spirit,  wishing  nothing 
but  peace  and  union  to  all  mankind,  which,  together 
with  the  rectitude  of  their  lives,  enables  them  to  hop** 
for  all  the  peace  and  rest  that  is  to  come.  Strict  among 
themselves,  not  judging  the  faults  of  others,  regular  and 
attentive  to  all  necessary  duties,  modest  in  prosperity, 
calm  in  adversity,  always  as  ready  to  be  taught  as  to 


™  Capt,  Smith,  who  wrote  in  1783,  says  : — "  This  general  diffusion  of 
masonic  knowledge  is  one  effect  of  that  happy  constitution  o!  iioveniiiieiit . 
which,  towards  the  close  of  the  last  century,  was  continued  to  us.  and 
which  constitutes  the  peculiar  glory  of  the  nation.  In  other  countries 
the  great  body  of  the  people  possess  little  wealth,  have  little  i>m\vr,  and, 
consequently  meet  with  little  respect ;  except  among  the  extensive  body  of 
Freemasons,  who  are  not  only  a  most  respectable  community,  but  are  uni- 
versally esteemed  in  all  foreign  parts;  in  Great  Britain  the  people  are  opu- 
lent, have  great  influence,  and  claim,  of  course,  a  proper  share  of  attention, 
except  among  the  society,  where  very  little  regard  is  paid  them,  owing  to 
their  inferior  rank  in  lite  and  abilities.  To  their  improvement  in'the 
masonic  art,  therefore,  men  of  letters  have  lately  directed  their  studies  ; 
as  the  great  body  of  Masons,  no  less  than  the  dignified,  the  learned,  or  the 
wealthy  few,  have  an  acknowledged  title  to  be  amused  and  instructed.'7 


FREE    AND    ACCEPTED    MASONS.  79 

teach  another,  equally  incapable  of  all  baseness,  ill- 
grounded  complaints,  and,  above  all  things,  of  offending 
a  Brother,  speaking  well  of  him,  both  publicly  and  pri- 
vately, doing  all  things  according  to  the  strictest  justice. 
Such  is  the  true  Mason  !  such  Masonry,  it  may  be  hoped 
not  only  in  Switzerland,  but  everywhere  upon  the  face 
of  the  earth,  where  that  noble  society  is  entertained!36  O 
glorious  architecture  !  which  never  fails  amply  to  recom- 
pense all  who  attach  themselves  to  thee.  O  delightful 
society !  no  greater  liberty  can  be  on  earth  than  in  thee, 
nor  truer  peace  and  content  than  under  thy  banners.37 

One  of  the  noblest  qualifications  belonging  to  Masons, 
and  the  innocent  cause  of  all  the  persecutions  arid  re- 
proaches they  have  suffered,  is  secrecy.  Certain  it  is, 
that  in  conducting  all  worldly  affairs,  secrecy  is  not  only 
essential,  but  absolutely  necessary.  The  Italian  proverb 
says — "  If  you  wrould  live  well  and  enjoy  peace,  you 
must  be  deaf  and  dumb."  The  chief  aim  and  principle 
of  the  famous  philosopher  Pythagoras  was  to  bridle  the 
tongue.  We  read  that  Demosthenes,  who  was  an  orator 
and  philosopher  of  exemplary  life  and  great  authority, 
among  his  many  good  qualities  was  guilty  of  talking  too 


36  This  hope  has  been  gloriously  fulfilled.     In  1803  Masonry  was  revived 
in  Switzerland.     Berne  took  the  lead  by  opening  the  Lodge  of  Hope, 
under  the  authority  of  France  ;  which  was  subsequently  deputed  to  con- 
secrate lodges  at  Lausanne,  Basle,  Solothuu,  aud  other  places.     This  in- 
duced the  formation  of  the  Grand  Orient  of  the  National  Koman  Helve- 
tique,  under  Grand  Master  Glayre,  who,  many  years  ago,  had  restored 
Freemasonry  in  Poland.     In  1811,  the  Orient  of  Zurich  made  its  appear- 
ance  in  Basle,  but  returned  very  soon  after  to  its  original   position. 
Lodges  were  also  opened  in  1818,  under  the  English  constitutions  ;  and 
the  Duke  of  Sussex  appointed  Bro.  Von  Tavel  the  Provincial  Grand 
Master. 

37  I  have  much  pleasure  in  quoting  some  judicious  remaks  of  a  very 
worthy  and  intelligent  brother,  William  Tucker,  Esq.,  of  Coryton  Park, 
Provincial  Grand  Master  for  .Dorset,  in  a  speech  at  Weymoutn,  August, 
1846.     He  said  : — "  As  the  sacrifices  of  the  ancient  Jews  pointed  to  that 
great  atonement  whereby  man  became  reconciled  to  God  ;  so  the  mysteries 
of  Masonry  direct  the  inquiring  mind  to  that  period  when  the  sun  of 
righteousness  shall  arise,  and,  with  healing  on  His  wings,  dispel  the  mists 
which  overshadow  the  nations  of  the  earth,  and  the  Trinity  in  unity  shall 
be  universally  acknowledged  and  adored.     And  as  the  principles  of  our 
ancient  institution,  in  the  earlier  days,  prepared  the  mind  for  Jie  reception 
of  this  great  truth  ;  so  will  the  mind  now  be  improved  by  the  moral  in- 
fluence of  those  principles,  and  rendered  fit  for  the  enjoyment  of  the  full 
blaze  of  light,  when  it  shall  be  revealed  in  all  its  majesty  and  glory." 


80  AN    APOLOGY    FOR    THE 

much,  which  obliged  the  Athenians,  one  day  assembled 
in  council,  to  assign  him  a  pension,  not  for  him  to  teach 
philosophy,  but  10  make  him  hold  bis  tongue,  in  order 
that  his  chattering  might  not  do  more  mischief,  and 
create  more  misunderstandings,  than  the  citizens  of 
Athens  could  ever  rectify.  Princes,  states,  and  repub- 
lics ought,  then,  to  esteem  it  a  blessing  to  have  their 
subjects  complete  masters  over  that  unruly  member,  the 
tongue.  In  the  affairs  of  council,  silence  is  of  the  utmost 
importance.  It  were  to  be  wished  that  all  ministers  of 
state  would  practise  this  excellent  virtue.  That  royal 
art  not  only  faithfully  teaches  how  to  conceal  what  is 
properly  called  a  secret,  but  also  to  be  so  discreet  in  all 
words  and  actions,  that  none  shall  think  it  to  be  so,  or 
they  carnnot  in  order  thereto  walk  worthily  by  the  square 
and  compass.38 

Most  of  the  sovereign  princes-  of  Europe,  and  especial- 
ly those  of  England  and  Germany,  have  admitted  the 
fraternity  under  their  protection,  and  do  not  refuse  what 
in  justice  they  deserve,  encouragement  and  countenance 
to  all  who  profess  it  in  their  kingdoms  j39  several  of  them 

38  A  memorable  instance  of  this  discretion,  even  under  the  most  pain- 
ful circumstances,  is  recorded  in  the  Freemasons'  Quarterly  Review,  1839. 
During  the  rebellion  in  Ireland,  it  will  be  recollected  the  Habeas  Corpus 
Act  was  suspended,  and  many  scenes  of  violence  occurred.     One  of  the 
means  employed  to  extract  information  from  their  prisoners  was  by  flog- 
ging.    A  Freemason  of  good  character  was  once  unfortunately  brought 
before  Major  Sandes,  on  the  charge  of  being  privy  to  some  misdeeds  com- 
mitted by  others  ;  and  as  nothing  could  be  extracted  from  him  by  com- 
mon examination,  he  was  ordered  to  be  tied  up  to  the  halberts.     It  was 
in  vain  that  he  protested  his  innocence  ;  and  therefore  he  appealed  to  the 
Deity,  in  a  manner  known  only  to  the  true  craftsman,  exclaiming  : — "  is 
it  possible  that  an  innocent  man  should  thus  suffer  S:?     The  major,  who 
was  a  Mason,  immediately  understood  him,  and  said — "  Confound  you, 
why  did  you  not  tell  me  that  before?"     He  immediately  countermanded 
the  punishment,  and  a  very  few  minutes'  conversation  in  private  satisfied 
him  of  his  innocence,  and  procured  his  release. 

39  Freemasonry  had  declined  in  England  from  the  time  of  the  common- 
wealth ;  for  it  received  a  great  blow  and  discouragement  during  the  civil 
wars.     And  whether  these  unholy  dissensions  disunited  the  ties  by  which 
the  fraternity  were  cemented,  and  thus  caused  the  lodges  to  disperse ;  or 
whether  Cromwell,  as  has  been  confidently  asserted,  used  it  to  promote 
his  own  designs,  the  result  was  the  same.     The  general  Grand  Lodge  at 
York  never  effectually  resumed  its  functions  as  the  head  of  the  Order  : 
and  though  the  lodges  held  their  meetings  during  the  reigns  of  Charles  II. 
and  the  Jameses,  yet  no  quarterly  communications  were  convened  from 
the  above  period  till  a  Grand  Lodge  was  formed  in  the  metropolis  in  1717. 


FREE    AND    ACCEPTED    MASONS.  81 

have  not  disdained  to  become  of  the  fraternity,  and  labour 
jointly  with  their  subjects  in  erecting  the  edifice  which 
was  so  happily  begun.  This  shows  itself  from  the  pro- 
digious number  oT lodges  spread  a,ll  over  the  world.  Net- 
to  be  confined  to  those  of  England  and  France,  which 
are  almost  numberless,  it  will  be  sufficient  here  to  men- 
tion the  surprising  progress  that  Masonry  has  made  in 
Germany.40  The  Germans  being  naturally  teachable, 
and  strongly  addicted  to  perfect  themselves  in  all  arts 
and  sciences,  it  is  no  wonder  then  that  the  fraternity 
have  met  with  so  many  zealous  advocates  amongst  them. 
At  Berlin,  Masonry  is  advanced  to  the  highest  pitch  of 
splendour  and  glory,41  supported  by  the  generous  pro- 
tection, and  all  necessary  aid.  from  his  majesty  the  King 
of  Prussia.42  The  Masons  assemble  there  four  times 

A  French  writer  gives  the  following  account  of  the  use  which  Crom- 
well is  alleged  to  have  made  of  Masonry.  After  ascribing  its  invention 
to  that  regicide  for  the  purpose  of  overturning  the  altar  and  the  throne, 
he  goes  on  to  say  : — "  It  was  to  complete  the  resemblance  that  Cromwell 
created  the  different  classes  of  the  society,  and  attached  to  each  certain 
secret  ceremonies,  which  were  explained  to  the  candidate  as  he  advanced 
from  the  lower  to  the  higher  degrees,  in  order  to  preserve  the  Order  in 
its  purity,  and  to  concentrate  within  his  own  influence  a  crowd  of  devoted 
men.  The  oath  which  he  exacted  from  every  candidate  was  the  wonder- 
ful means  he  made  use  of,  which  was  constructed  according  to  the  degree 
of  knowledge  that  was  attached  to  each  particular  step." 

<0  In  Germany  there  is  no  uniform  system  of  Masonry  practised  at 
present.  The  Order,  under  one  form  or  another,  flourishes  abundantly  ; 
but  the  rituals  vary  in  different  states,  and  under  different  Grand  Lodges  ; 
and  a  section  is  now  under  a  cloud  with  the  rest  of  the  masonic  world,  by 
reason  of  its  refusal  to  admit  Jewish  Masons  as  visitors  in  its  lodges. 

41  At  present  there  are  in  Berlin  three  Grand  Lodges ;  that  of  the 
Three  Globes,  which  is  the  oldest,  and  is  said  to  have  been  founded  by 
Frederick  the  Great.     The  Royal  York  Grand  Lodge,  which  was  estab- 
lished by  Brethren  from  France  ;  and  here  the  late  Duke  of  York  was 
initiated  while  on  his  travels  ;  whence  the  name,  for  it  was  previously 
called  St.  John's  Lodge  1'Amitie  aux  trois  Colombes.     And  the  Native 
Grand  Lodge,  founded  in  1773,  by  two  Brethren  who  split  off  from  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  the  Three  Globes.    They  adopted  the  system  of  Zinnen- 
dorff,  and  worked  also  in  the  higher  degrees. 

42  The  initiation  of  this  prince  is  thus  noticed  by  Campbell,  in  his  work 
entitled,  "  Frederick  the  Great  and  his  Times :"— "  One  day,  at  table,  the 
conversation  turned  upon  Freemasons,  against  whom  Frederick  launched 
out  with  great  acrimony. ,   The  Count  of  Lippe  Buckcburg,  himself  a 
member  of  the  fraternity,  defended  it  with  such  warmth  and  eloquence, 
that  the  prince  afterwards  privately  intimated  to  the  count  his  wish  to 
join  a  society  which  numbered  such  staunch  champions  of  truth  amongst 
its  members.     The  count  accordingly  requested  some  of  the  Brethren  re- 
siding at  Hamburg  and  Hanover  to  meet  at  Brunswick,  for  the  purpose 


82  AN    APOLOGY    FOR    THE 

svery  month,  and  work  the  lodge  alternately  in  French 
snd  German.  The  grand  entertainment  which  the  Ma- 
sons gave  at  Berlin  in  the  year  1743,  is  a  proof  to  all 
Europe  of  the  great  regard  paid  to  that  venerable  body 
by  the  nobility,  gentry,  and  all  ranks  and  degrees  of  per- 
sons. The  cities  of  Hamburg,43  Leipsic,44  Dresden,  Bres- 
lau,  Halle,  and  Vienna,  have  proved  safe  asylums  for  the 
illustrious  Brotherhood,  and  in  spite  of  what  happened  in 
the  latter,  the  Order  is  still  supported  under  the  auspi 
cious  government  of  his  imperial  majesty. 

His  Serene  Highness  the  Margrave  of  Brandenburg 
Bareith,  in  the  year  1741,  established  a  lodge  in  the 
place  of  his  residence;  and  the  inauguration  was  cele- 
brated with  amazing  pomp  and  magniticenc.  At  Frank- 
fort on  the  Maine  is  the  great  lodge  of  the  Union,45 
composed  of  the  most  noble  personages ;  and  at  this 
time  there  is  one  of  equal  dignity  established  at  Marburg, 
•;n  Ilesse-Cassel.  The  fraternity  had  a  lodge  constituted 
at  Brussels  in  1743,  and  called  it  the  Equity ;  they 
caused  a  medal  to  be  struck,  which  represented  on  one 

of  the  initiation.  The  celebrated  Brother  Bielefeld  was  of  the  number. 
When  the  preparations  were  fully  made,  the  prince  royal  arrived,  accom- 
panied by  Count  Wartensleben,  a  captain  in  the  king's  regiment  at  Pots- 
dam. The  prince  introduced  him  to  us  as  a  candidate,  whom  he  very 
warmly  recommended,  and  begged  that  he  might  be  admitted  immediately 
after  himself.  At  the  same  time  he  desired  that  he  might  be  treated  like 
any  private  individual,  and  that  none  of  the  usual  ceremonies  might  be' 
altered  on  his  account.  Accordingly,  he  was  admitted  in  the  customary 
form ;  and  I  could  not  sufficiently  admire  his  fearlessness,  his  composure, 
and  his  address.  When  all  was  over,  the  prince  returned  to  the  ducal 
palace,  apparently  as  well  pleased  with  us  as  we  were  charmed  with  him/' 

43  The  Grand  Lodge  of  Hamburg  is  one  of  the  most  ancient  lodges  in 
Germany,  and  was  formed  in  1733  by  a  warrant  obtained  in  London. 
They  have,  however,  changed  the  English  ritual  for  that  of  Schra-dcr. 
Its  independence  was  acknowledged  in  1814,  and  it  has,  under  its  juris- 
diction, twenty-five  private  lodges. 

44  Freemasonry  has  existed  in  Leipsic  for  more  than  a  century.     In 
fact,  it  was  introduced  in  1738  by  a  French  officer,  who  formed  a  ! 
called  the  Three  White  Eagles.     It  has  gradually  progressed  ever  since  ; 
and,  although  royal  support  was  never  publicly  conceded  to  the  frater- 
nity, they  were  never  molested  in  the  practice  of  their  rites.     There  are 
several  public  charities  attached  to  it. 

46  The  Grand  Lodge  at  Frankfort  numbers  under  its  jurisdiction  tl.«) 
lodges  of  Nuremberg,  Erlangen,  Darmstadt.  Worms.  Mayence,  Offenbach, 
and  Alzey.  It  was  originally  a  provincial  Grand  Lodge  under  the  Eng- 
lish constitutions  ;  but  it  became  independent  in  1782.  It  is  very  much 
indebted  for  its  prosperity  to  the  tact  and  indefatigable  exertions  of  the 
Celebrated  Zinnendorff. 


FREE    AND    ACCEPTED    MASONS.  83 

side  a  heap  of  rough  stones,  with  this  inscription,  JEqua 
Lege  sortitur  Insignes  et  Imos  ;  on  the  other  side  appeared 
Silenus,  covered  with  the  skin  of  a  wolf,  full  of  eyes  and 
ears,  and  out  of  a  cornucopia,  which  he  held  in  one  hand, 
he  poured  out  squares,  and  other  instruments  of  Mason- 
ry. He  lays  the  other  hand  upon  his  mouth,  with  these 
words,  Favete  linguis  ;  and  a  little  lower,  JEqidtas,  Con- 
cordia,  Virtus,  which  are  the  three  great  pillars  of  the 
fraternity.46 

Let  any  one  judge,  after  such  ample  proof,  whether 
the  conduct  of  the  magistrates  of  Berne  can  be  justified  ; 
and  whether  there  is  the  least  appearance  of  truth  in 
their  suggestions  of  dangerous  consequences  to  the  state ; 
or  whether  they  had  any  authority  to  force  the  Masons 
to  abjure  their  engagements ;  on  the  contrary,  it  bespeaks 
the  greatest  absurdity  to  force  them  to  renounce  the 
society.  Every  man  who  judges  impartially,  or  without 
being  prejudiced  against  the  Masons,  will,  without  doubt, 
acknowledge  the  natural  picture  of  a  prince,  who,  on  all 
occasions,  has  at  heart  the  happiness  of  his  subjects,  and 
who  has  been  so  far  from  banishing  the  Masons  his  do- 
minions, that  he  finds  himself  bound  in  conscience  to 
gain  their  love,  and  protect  them  in  all  things  that 
depend  on  him.47 

46  Several  similar  medals  were  struck  about  the  same  time  at  other 
places.     At  Hamburg,  the  St.  John's  lodge  struck  a  medal  in  1742,  to 
commemorate  the  connexion   between   Freemasonry  and   the  sciences. 
On  one  side  is  a  Mason  leaning  against  a  pillar,  with  a  plumb  rule  in  his 
hand,  and  the  inscription,  Labor  Sdentium  Libertas  ;  on  the  other  side  is 
a  pyramid,  ruins  of  houses,  and  masonic  tools,  and  inscribed,  Connubia 
Scientiarum  Honesta.     Another  medal  was  struck  at  Hamburg,  in  the 
same  year,  to  explain  the  reason  why  the  Brethren  assembled  in  the 
evening,  containing  the   following  hieroglyphics  : — the  sun   and  moon 
appear  to  be  casting  their  light  upon  the  earth,  while  the  All-seeing  eye 
of  God  overlooks  the  labours  of  the  Brethren.     It  is  inscribed,  Fades 
Supremi  Eadem.     Several  other  medals  were  produced  on  the  continent 
at  a  later  period. 

47  In  speaking  of  His  Royal  Highness  the  Duke  of  Sussex,  the  "  Illus- 
trated London  News''  says—"  There  is  no  dignity  in  which  he  more 
rejoices,  or  in  which  mai 

him  honour,  than  that  of 
>en,  will  form  the  i: 
purest  and  best  emblazonment  of  Christian  renown  ;  they  are  in 


rejoices,  or  in  which  many  thousands  of  persons  are  more  proud  to  do 
f  Grand  Master  of  the  Freemasons  of  England." 


This,  then,  will  form  the  natural  picture  of  a  prince.  "  The  above  words 
are  his  purest  and  best  emblazonment  of  Christian  renown  ;  they  are  in 
themselves  the  symbols  of  a  Brotherhood ;  the  most  beautiful  in  its  foun- 
dation ;  the  most  widely  extended  in  its  influence  ;  the  most  enduring  in 
its  stability  ;  the  most  binding  in  its  principles  of  love  and  charity ;  the 
most  thoroughly  affectionate  in  spirit,  and  pervaded  with  the  warmest 


84  AN    APOLOGY    FOR    THE 

As  much  has  been  said  of  the  injustice  done  the  Free- 
masons, it  cannot  be  greatly  out  of  the  way  to  mention 
the  proceedings  of  the  furious  and  horrible  inquisition  in 
Spain,  Portugal,  and  Italy,43  which  in  direct  opposition 
to  reason,  justice,  and  humanity,  endeavour  to  extort 
from  Masons  the  secrets  of  their  art  by  the  most  cruel 
torments,  and  finally  by  fire  and  faggot.  O,  what  in- 
humanity !  Dare  they  in  a  Christian  country  attack  the 
innocent  in  such  a  manner  as  barbarians  would  look 
upon  with  horror!  False  devotees  accustom  themselves 
to  infuse  into  the  minds  of  the  credulous  multitude  a 
baneful  poison  against  everything  that  they  imagine  may 
attect  their  reveries,  and  particularly  against  the  moral 
virtues,  which  they  only  know  by  theory;  from  them  the 
fraternity  may  expect  the  most  dreadful  consequences.49 

impulses  of  the  human  heart ;  of  all  the  speculations  of  mankind  for  pro- 
moting the  sympathies  of  our  nature,  or  adding  to  the  crime-curtailed 
pittance  of  man's  happiness  on  earth.  More  and  more  do  the  beauties 
and  virtues  of  Freemasonry  impress  themselves  upon  the  world  of  Breth- 
ren whom  it  has  gathered  within  its  glorious  circle.  In  all  emergencies 
of  difficulty  and  danger — in  war,  in  plague,  in  prison — they  have  softened 
the  asperities  of  tyranny,  and  quailed  the  cruelty  of  revenge  ;  they  have 
set  up  BROTHERHOOD  as  the  sign  of  succour,  and  made  peace  smile  amidst 
havoc  and  bloodshed  at  the  mouth  of  the  cannon,  and  upon  the  edge  of 
the  sword.  More  life  has  been  saved  by  Freemasonry,  more  assistance 
rendered  to  distress  and  misery,  more  violent  passions  conquered,  and  more 
malice  humbled  into  shame,  than  by  any  other  foundation  short  of  the 
divine  one  of  Christianity  itself.  To  be  at  the  head  of  so  grand,  so  vast, 
wide-spread,  and  philanthropic  an  institution,  in  a  mighty  country  like 
our  own.  is  almost  to  hold  the  spring  of  the  fountain  from  which  its 
beauty  and  its  goodness  flow." 

48  Laurie  says  that — "  Notwithstanding  these  attempts  to  suppress  and 
exterminate  the  society,  Freemasonry  appears  to  have  made  a  head  in 
several  parts  of  Italy.     In  the  year  1751  another  bull  was  issued,  renew- 
ing1 the  former  prohibitions  against  the  meetings  of  masonic  lodges,  either 
at  Rome,  or  in  any  of  the  ecclesiastical  dominions,  and  praying  the  princes 
and  states  of  the  Roman  communion  to  forbid  them  in  their  respective 
territories.     At  Naples,  several  Freemasons  were  seized  and  imprisoned  : 
but   as  divers  persons   of  distinction   frequented  the  lodges  there,  ai:<l 
much  murmuring  appeared  amongst  them,  his  Sicilian  majesty  order- 
ed the  commissioners,  who  were  appointed  to  execute  the  edict,  to  search 
thoroughly  into  the  true  state  of  the  case.     This  they  accordingly  did, 
and  reported  that  they  could  find  nothing  contrary  to  religion  or  virtue 
in  the  proceedings  of  the  lodges  of  Freemasons ;  and  that  there  was  no 
reason  for  suspecting  the  members  of  holding-  maxims  pernicious  to  the 
state ;  whereupon  the  king  ordered  all  inquiries  and  prosecutions  on  the 
subject  to  cease." 

49  A  most  diabolical  act  of  treachery  was  practised  at  this  period 
against  the  Freemasons  by  the  inquisitor  of  Spain,  whose  infamous 


FREE    AND    ACCEPTED    MASONS.  85 

Still  full  of  that  blind  zeal  which  stirred  up  the  fran- 
tic pagans  to  persecute  the  primitive  Christians,  they 
think  that  Masons  must  be  the  like  victims  to  their 
vengeance.  It  is  from  hence  that  Rome,  that  tender 
mother,  who  has  often  used  barbarities  to  her  best  chil- 
dren, came  to  extend  her  favours  to  the  Masons,  who 
neither  love  nor  fear  her  threats.  She  falsely  persuades 
herself,  that  in  the  lodges  of  the  Masons,  they  not  only 
act  contrary  to  good  manners,  but  commit  the  most 
enormous  crimes:50  form  plots  against  holy  church,  and, 
in  short,  that  the  lodge  is  the  head-quarters  of  Satan,  and 
the  theatre  of  atheism.51  The  populace  credit  these 

was  Peter  Torrubia.  This  individual,  having  first  made  confession,  and 
received  absolution,  became  a  Freemason,  for  the  express  purpose  of  be- 
traying it,  and  of  handaig  to  the  executioner  the  unfortunate  members, 
before  he  knew  what  their  deserts  might  be.  He  was  initiated  in  1751, 
and  immediately  made  himself  acquainted  with  the  entire  ramifications  of 
the  craft,  and  names  of  the  subscribers.  Being  unable  to  accuse  them  of 
any  malpractices,  he  named  for  punishment  the  members  of  ninety-seven 
lodges,  without  any  pretext  whatever ;  and  as  he  himself  was  the  accuser, 
witness,  and  judge,  the  whole  of  them  were  subjected  to  torture  on  the 
rack.  (See  the  account  in  Freemasons'  Quarterly  Review,  1844,  p.  16.) 

50  Even  Robison  aJmits  the  reverse  of  all  this.  He  says — speaking  of 
an  elegant  entertainment  which  he  visited  in  the  female  Loge  de  la  Fide- 
Hit — «  Every  ceremonial  was  composed  in  the  highest  degree  of  elegance ; 
everything  conducted  with  the  most  delicate  respect  for  our  fair  sisters, 
and  the  song  of  brotherly  love  was  chanted  in  the  most  refined  strain  of 
sentiment.  I  do  not  suppose  that  the  Parisian  Freemasonr}7  of  forty-five 
degrees  could  have  given  me  more  entertainment."  (Proofs,  p.  3.) 

61  A  Roman  Catholic  Freemason,  who  wrote  to  the  editor  of  the 
"  Nenagh  Guardian"  in  1844,  puts  the  supposed  infallibility  of  the  pope 
in  a  strong  point  of  view,  and  his  words  are  worth  quoting. — "  Take 
England  for  example,  and  open  those  pages  of  her  history  which  record 
the  events  that  occurred  during  the  reign  of  John — as  vile  as  miscreant  as 
ever  provoked  a  nation's  malediction.  During  the  reigns  of  Henry  I., 
Stephen,  and  Henry  II.,  charters  conferring  various  privileges  had  been 
granted,  but  the  enjoyment  of  which  John  refused  to  cede.  To  enforce  a 
confirmation  of  those  charters,  the  barons  of  England  and  the  Cardinal 
Archbishop  Larigton  held  a  'monster  meeting'  at  Runnimede,  electing 
Fitzwalter  as  their  general,  and  cold  steel  being  always  a  powerful  sup- 
ported of  warm  argument,  John,  whose  cowardice  was  commensurate 
with  his  tyranny,  trembling  for  his  own  safety,  signs  the  charter,  and  con- 
firms it  on  his  solemn  oath,  determined  to  prejure  himself  on  the  first 
favourable  opportunity.  He  had  been  previously  excommunicated  by 
Pope  Innocent ;  but  having  written  a  letter  of  repentance,  couched  in  the 
most  abjectly  submissive  and  subservient  terms.  Innocent  at  once  receives 
the  penitent  sinner  with  open  arms.  John  sends  to  other  countries,  hires 
battalions  of  butchers,  as  well  suited  for  his  purpose  as  the  mercenaries 
who  visited  our  fathers  in  '98 ;  the  accident  of  a  shipwreck  alone  saves 
England  from  a  scene  of  oernage,  in  which  '  her  tears  could  not  number 


86  AN    APOLOGY    FOR    THE 

well-grounded  motives,  and  look  no  farther,  though  it 
be  trumpeted  abroad  by  the  most  infernal  calumniator. 
In  the  meantime  the  Mason  quietly  enjoys  the  religion 
in  which  he  was  born;  is  obliged  to  be  faithful,  just,  and 
true  to  his  country;  and  the  engagements  he  enters  into 
do  not  by  any  means  dispense  with  the  obligations  that 
he  owes  to  God  and  his  sovereign;  but  this  declaration 
will  not  appease  our  enemies,  they  require  something 
more  than  being  innocent  of  all  the  charges  alh-uvd 
against  us.52 

The  secrets  of  the  fraternity,  then,  being  neither  con- 
tra y  to  religion,  nor  the  duty  of  subjects  to  their  prince, 
nor,  in  truth,  to  any  law  divine  or  human  j53  it  must  then 

the  dead.'     Providence  favours  Britain,  not  so  the  pope — who  threat" MIS 
the  barons  for  having,  without  consulting  him!  presumed  to  \M 
charter  of  their  country's  liberties  from  a  tyrant's  grasp,     lie  ; 
John  from  his  oath — declares  the  charter  null  and  void — excoimm, 
the  barons,  and  suspends  Langtou  for  refusing  to  publish  the  buii  <•!'  ex- 
communication.    Though  centuries  have  passed  by  since  he  il'M    -i-!  d  to 
an  honoured  grave,  the  memory  of  Stephen  Langtou  is  sliii 
grateful  remembrance,  not  only  by  Englishmen,  but  by  the  : 
every  country  in  the  universe  where  patriotism  has  an  admirer.  «.r  !ib< 
a  votary ;  yet  this  was  a  man  who,  in  1210,  was  put  under  l>an  by  an  au- 
thority which  in  1844  is  declared  infallible  by  Caruana  if  M. 
John  of  Tuam.     So  much  for  the  infallibility  of  popes  ;  and  in  ; 
of  such  startling  historic  facts,  who  will  dare  aflirm  the  bull  of  L<  <>  XI 1. 
against  Freemasonry — an  authority  before  which   Roman   Catholics  are 
bound  in  conscience  to  bow,  his  own  judgment   convincing  each   Masmi 
that  the  censure  is  unmerited ?     As  a  Roman  Catholic.  1  recognize  the 
authority  of  a  general  council  on  all  matters  of  faith,  and  1  defy  any  man 
to  takte  the  eighteen  general  councils  of  the  church  of  Rome,  and  from 
Nice  to  Trent  to  point  out  one  passage  condemnatory  of  our  Order." 

62  It  is  strange  that  in  our  own  times,  some  of  the  IVotesumt  clergy 
should  have  adopted  these  barbarous  opinions.     The  "  Freemasons'  Quar- 
terly Review"  has  recorded  and  perpetuated  the  fact,  that  -  at  the  instal- 
lation of  a  Provincial  Grand  Master  at  Falmouth,  in  the  year  IM-i.  the 
Rev.  Mr.  Blount  expressed  his  opinion  that  the  church  had';. 

with  such  matters,  that  is,  with  Freemasonry,  and  that  her  g 
not  to  be  mixed  up  with  them.     '  Where  ignorance  is  bliss,  'tis 
be  wise ;'  and  so  Mr.  Blount  dogmatically  pronounces  Freemasonry  as 
undeserving  the  countenance  of  the  church  ;  and  stated  that  the  refusal 
of  his  pulpit  on  the  occasion  referred  to,  had  the  bishop's  sanction.''     If 
the  reader  will  take  the  trouble  to  look  over  my  "  Apology  for  the  Free- 
masons," published  in  the  above  year,  lie  will  find  all  Mr.  Blount's  argu- 
ments fully  refuted. 

63  When  Bro.  John  Nepomuck  von  Celling  was  examined  before  the 
privy  council  of  the  Elector  of  Bavaria,  in  1785.  on  the  charge  of  being 
a  Freemason,  lie  replied : — '•  I  do  not  deny  having  been  a  member  of  the 
Order  of  Freemasons  ;  but  I  must  observe,  that    I  was  a  member  of  that 


FREE    AND    ACCEPTED    MASONS.  87 

necessarily  follow,  that  the  wicked  suggestions  oi  those 
incendiaries,  who,  under  the  similitude  of  a  Mason,  repre- 
sent the  most  horrid  monster  that  ever  existed  in  human 
shape,  are  void  of  all  truth.  In  seeking  for  the  secrets 
of  the  fraternity,  these  men  will  for  ever  seek  in  vain  ; 
they  who  are  curious  to  know  them,  and  have  all  the 
necessary  qualifications  for  it,  with  a  general  good  cha- 
racter, and  being  well  recommended,  have  only  to  be- 
come Masons  to  know  ail  ui  a  proper  length  of  time; 
they  may  depend  upon  it  they  will  not  be  refused.  They 
who  have  endeavoured  to  compel  the  Masons  by  force  to 
reveal  the  secrets  of  their  art,  at  first  sight,  to  the  pro- 
fane, would  have  them  act  contrary  to  the  essential  na- 
ture of  a  secret:  because,  when  a  secret  is  made  known, 
it  is  no  longer  such.54  The  inquisition,  every  one  knows, 
has  too  often  made  the  innocent  tremble,  have  found  all 
their  gallies,  engines,  and  tortures  to  be  without  effect ; 
they  never  will  meet  with  a  Mason  base  enough  to  betray 

society  at  a  time  when  I  justly  could  suppose  that  his  electoral  highnes. 
would  tolerate  a  lodge  in  his  country,  like  many  other  German  princess 
I  was  assured  on  my  reception  that  all  the  principles  of  the  Order  contain 
nothing  that  is  inimical  to  religion,  the  state,  or  the  sovereign ;  and  I  do 
solemnly  protest  never  to  have  seen  or  heard,  in  the  Order,  anything  that 
is  injurious  to  either  ;  of  which  his  electoral  highness  may  convince  him- 
self; if  he  will  order  a  vigorous  inquiry  to  be  made  into  the  accusations 
that  have  been  exhibited  against  the  Freemasons  from  private  motives, 
and  with  a  malicious  design  against  the  lodge.  His  electoral  highness 
having  last  year  declared  by  proclamation  his  sentiments  relative  to  all 
secret  societies,  I  have  not  hesitated  to  obey  the  commands  of  my  sove- 
reign, and  to  break  off  all  connexion  with  the  Freemasons,  conformably 
to  the  duties  incumbent  upon  a  loyal  subject." 

54  Even  De  Quincey  admits  this  fact,  because,  he  says — "Their  main 
object  was  a  mystery  ;  and  that  it  might  remain  such,  an  oath  of  secrecy 
was  demanded  of  every  member  on  his  admission.  Nothing  of  this  mys- 
tery could  ever  be  discovered  by  a  visit  from  the  police  ;  for  when  such 
an  event  happens,  and  naturally  it  has  happened  many  times,  the  busi- 
ness is  at  an  end — and  the  lodge,  ipso  facto,  dissolved.  Besides  that,  all 
the  acts  of  the  members  are  symbolic,  and  unintelligible  to  all^  but  the 
initiated.  Meantime,  no  government  can  complain  of  this  exclusion  from 
the  mysteries  ;  as  every  governor  has  it  at  his  own  option  to  make  him- 
self fully  acquainted  with  them,  by  procuring  his  own  adoption  into  the 
society.  This  it  is  which,  in  most  countries,  has  gradually  reconciled  the 
supreme  authorities  to  tha  masonic  societies,  hard  as  the  persecution  was 
which  they  experienced  at  first.  Princes  and  prelates  made  themselves 
Brothers  of  the  Order  as  the  condition  of  admission  to  the  mysteries. 
And,  think  what  they  would  of  these  mysteries  in  other  respects,  they 
found  nothing  in  them  which  could  justify  any  hostility  on  the  part  of 
the  state."  (Lond.  Mag.  1824,  p.  9.) 


8S  AN    APOLOGY    FOR    THE 

his  trust,  and  to  buy  his  liberty,  and  even  life  at  the  ex- 
pense of  honour  and  remorse  of  conscience.  No  m;m, 
suppose  him  as  wicked  as  you  will,  has  ever  revealed  Hit; 
secrets  of  Masonry,  or  ever  will  reveal  them.  They  do 
no  not  fear  being  confuted  on  this  point.  Everything 
published  with  regard  to  the  secrets  of  Masonry  are 
mere  chimeras  and  ridiculous  fancies.55  The  public  seek 
after  words  and  signs.  These  ingenious  gentlemen  gra- 
tify that  itching  curiosity  by  patching  up  some  quaint 
conceits,  which  may  be  true  for  what  they  know  to  the 
contrary,  .the  better  to  impose  on  mistaken  credulity  j36 
and,  moreover,  to  answer  a  much  more  necessary  end  of 
putting  the  long-wanted  penny  into  their  pockets.57  All 

86  Major  Allyn  gives  a  curious  reason  for  publishing,  what  he  calls,  the 
Secrets  of  Masonry. — "  We  come  to  lay  before  the  world  the  claims  of 
an  institution  which  has  been  sanctioned  by  ages,  venerated  for  wisdom, 
and  exalted  for  light;  but  an  institution  whose  benefits  have  ah 
been  over-rated,  and  whose  continuance  is  not  in  the  slightest  degree 
necessary.  We  meet  it  with  its  high  requirements,  its  time-honoured 
customs,  its  swelling  titles,  and  shall  show  it  in  its  nakedness  and  sim- 
plicity Strip  it  of  its  borrowed  trappings,  and  it  is  a  mere  nothing — a 
toy  not  now  worthy  the  notice  of  a  child  to  sport  with.  If  we  would 
climb  the  high  ascent  of  human  science,  and  trace  the  mighty  pro- 
of human  genius,  in  every  gigantic  effort  of  mind,  in  logic,  geometry, 
mathematics,  chemistry,  and  every  other  branch  of  knowledge,  we  ridi- 
cule the  idea  that  Masonry  contains  the  arts  and  sciences — the  strictest 
Mason  in  the  whole  fraternity  is  not  bold  enough  to  uphold  or  maintain 
the  opinion  for  one  moment  in  sober  reality."  (Ritual.  Introd.  viii.) 
Poor  simpleton  !  he  proceeds  to  describe  his  reward,  styling  himself,  by 
the  way,  "  a  man  of  high  rank  and  standing !"  He  got  lots  of  pence,  and 
lots  of  pelting,  as  he  richly  deserved.  He  confesses  that  "  he  was  insulted, 
mobbed,  sued,  imprisoned,  abused,  and  libelled;  the  house  in  which  he 
lectured  was  more  than  once  torn  down  ;  and  often  the  windows  and 
doors  were  broken  and  battered  with  stones  and  other  missiles ;  while  he 
sought,  in  vain,  the  protection  of  that  law  which  he  had  not  violated ! 
But  in  all  this,"  he  adds,  "  I  moved  forward,  undaunted,  in  the  path  of 
duty.  With  a  modest  deportment,  an  unstained  honour,  a  veracity  un- 
questioned, a  resolution  unshaken,  a  reputation  unblemished,  I  will  still 
continue  to  press  against  the  common  enemy  !"  How  very  virtuous !  He 
was  merely  violating  a  series  of  obligations,  by  his  own  confession, 
solemnly  entered  into;  and  deliberately  breaking  the  laws  both  of  God 
and  man. 

66  These  books  are  seldom  read.  Such  works  were  published  a  few 
years  ago  in  America  by  Morgan  and  others ;  and  of  them  a  contempo- 
rary thus  speaks  : — "  Morgan's  book  was  at  first  sought  after  with  con- 
siderable avidity.  Few,  however,  have  had  patience  to  read  it  through  ; 
and  of  those  few,  but  a  small  part  are  willing  to  acknowledge  it.  It  has 
sunk  almost  into  oblivion,  and  scarcely  affords  a  subject  for  conversation." 
(Brown's  Narrative,  p.  72,  A.  D.  1829.) 

57 1  have  already  offered  an  opinion  on  the  above  subject  in  the  Intro- 


FRE        AND    ACCEPTED    MASONS.  89 

the  stratagems  made  use  of  to  entrap  the  unwary  Mason, 
if  any  such  there  be,  will  for  ever  be  fruitless,  because  it 
is  as  impossible  to  accomplish  it,  as  to  push  the  moon 
out  of  its  sphere. 

But  what  is  really  wonderful,  and  what  will  render 
the  glory  of  the  fraternity  immortal,  is,  that  all  these 
pretended  revealers  themselves,  do  them  the  justice  to 
give  a  tolerable  clear  idea  of  their  manners,  their  duty  to 
princes,  and  their  remoteness  to  everything  that  might 
create  discord  among  mankind.58  Though  all  this  had 
been  owned  and  published  by  the  Masons,  yet  the  reveal- 
ers found  the  way  of  making  it  be  believed.  Though  in- 
nocence is  a  bitter  root,  it  never  fails  of  producing  sweet 
and  delicious  fruit.  The  wrongs  which  it  endures  tend 
to  its  glory  in  the  end  ;  the  troubles  which  it  undergoes 
end  in  joy;  the  load  of  injustice  produces  praise;  and 


ductory  Essay,  prefixed  to  the  first  volume  of  the  Golden  Remains,  to 
which  I  have  subjoined  a  detailed  list  of  these  catch-penny  publications, 
which  I  am  gratified  to  find  has  been  received  by  the  fraternity  with  con- 
siderable interest  and  satisfaction.  Barruel  labours  hard  to  establish 
the  credibility  of  this  trash.  He  says,  in  the  course  of  his  argument, — 
"  I  might  have  quoted  the  testimony  of  another  adept,  who  writes  as  fol- 
lows to  the  authors  of  the  Endemonia  : — '  I  also  can  declare  that  I  have 
been  present  at  the  grand  mysteries,  particularly  that  in  1785,  I  was 
entrusted  with  the  degree  of  Mage,  or  Philosopher ;  and  that  the  short 
description  given  in  the  Endliches  Schicksal,  or  the  last  object  of  Free- 
masonry, is  perfectly  exact  and  well-grounded.'  The  author  of  the  End- 
liches Schicksal  has  only,  like  myself,  copied  the  text  from  Biederman. 
I  have  no  knowledge  of  the  new  adept.  I  see  he  has  signed  his  letter, 
desiring  the  authors  of  the  Endemonia  not  to  make  use  of  his  name  with- 
out an  absolute  necessity.  Besides,  I  am  a  Roman  Catholic  ;  and  1 
might  find  disagreeable  consequences  from  not  having  asked  to  be  absolved 
from  my  oath,  before  I  published  what  I  promised  to  keep  secret."  (Hist. 
Jac.  vol.  iii.  p.  259.)  Admirable  logic !  worthy  an  opponent  of  our 
ancient  and  honourable  society. 

68  To  do  Barruel  justice,  he  was  candid  enough  to  admit  that,  "  in 
treating  of  Freemasonry,  a  regard  to  truth  rigorously  compels  us  to  be- 
gin with  an  exception  that  exculpates  the  greater  part  of  those  Brethren 
who  have  been  initiated,  and  who  would  have  conceived  a  just  horror 
for  this  association,  had  they  been  able  to  foresee  that  it  could  ever  make 
them  contract  obligations  which  militated  against  the  duties  of  the  reli- 
gious man  and  of  the  true  citizen.  England,  in  particular,  is  full  of  those 
upright  men  who,  excellent  citizens  and  of  all  stations,  are  proud  of  being 
Masons,  and  who  may  be  distinguished  from  others  by  ties,  which  only 
appear  to  unite  them  more  c-losely  in  the  bonds  of  charity  and  fraternal 
affection.  And  it  is  not  the  fear  of  offending  a  nation,  in  which  I  have 
found  an  asylum,  that  has  suggested  this  exception."  (Hist.  Jac.  vol.  ii. 
p.  263.) 


90    AN    APOLOGY    FOR    FREE    AND    ACCEPTED    MASONS. 

every  means  made  use  of  for  its  destruction,  renders  the 
overcoming  of  all  the  more  triumphant.  Supported  by 
patience  and  hope,  and  divine  justice  to  plead  its  cause, 
all  the  malice,  and  all  the  efforts  of  wicked  and  designing 
men,  but  tend  to  raise  it  so  much  the  higher  in  glory. 
As  the  application  is  easy,  the  candid  and  unprejudiced 
reader  is  left  to  his  reflections  thereon. 


CHAPTER    III. 

AN    IMPARTIAL    EXAMINATION    OF  THE   ACT    OF  THE    ASSO- 
CIATE   SYNOD    AGAINST    FREEMASONS. 

"  While  the  sun  shines  with  even  light 

Upon  masters  and  knaves,  I  shall  declare 
The  law  of  might  according  to  right. 

Place  the  king's  seat  true  and  square ; 
Let  every  measure,  for  justice  sake, 

Be  given  in  sight  of  God  and  man, 
That  the  plaintive  his  complaint  may  make, 
And  the  defendant  answer — if  he  can." 

CEREMONIES  OP  THE  VEHME  GERICHT. 

THE  society  of  Freemasons,  which,  notwithstanding 
the  opposition  of  human  power,  civil  and  ecclesiastic, 
has  now  subsisted  for  many  ages,  and  always  maintained 
its  inseparable  character  of  secrecy,  prudence,  and  good 
manners,  stands  at  this  day  in  such  high  repute,  that  an 
apology  in  its  behalf  is  certainly  unnecessary.1 

Public  esteem  has  always  been  reputed  a  crime  in 
the  eyes  of  malevolence,  and  virtue  and  goodness  have 
always  been  held  as  declared  enemies  by  hypocritical 
sanctity  and  bigot  zeal.  To  such  impure  sources  alone 
can  be  attributed  a  very  extraordinary  act,  lately  pro- 

1  "  When  we  speak  of  the  moral  principles  of  Freemasonry,  we  mean 
such  as  emanate  from  the  dirine  essence  and  immutable  perfections  of 
God.  Such  as  impress  their  own  truth,  and  carry  conviction  of  a  just 
sense  of  duty  to  every  enlightened  conscience.  Such  as  are  perfectly 
adapted  to  the  constitutional  endowments  of  man,  as  an  intellectual 
moral,  and  social  being,  and  especially  such  as  the  understanding  will  at 
once  perceive  to  involve  his  highest  and  best  interests,  both  as  a  creature 
of  time  and  of  immortality.  In  this,  we  are  not  to  be  understood  as  saying, 
the  masonic  code  embodies  every  distinctive  principle  of  moral  virtue  in 
its  more  expanded  form,  but  only  such  as  may  be  brought  to  bear  on  a 
specific  object  of  common  interest,  and  in  the  best  manner  subserve  the 
accomplishment  of  a  special  purpose  connected  with  the  happiness  of  all 
our  species."  (Town's  Prize  Address.) 
5 


92  AN    EXAMINATION    OI«'    THE    ACT    OF    THE 

nounced  against  this  venerable  society,  by  the  synod  of 
the  Associate  Brethren,  and  published  in  the  Scots'  Ma- 
gazine for  August,  1757,  of  which  the  following  is  a 
copy: 

"  Whereas  an  oath  is  one  of  the  most  solemn  acts  of 
religious  worship,  which  ought  to  be  taken  only  upop 
important  and  necessary  occasions ;  and  to  be  sworn  in 
truth,  in  judgment,  and  in  righteousness,  without  any 
mixture  of  sinful,  profane,  or  superstitious  device*. 

••  And  whereas  the  synod  had  laid  before  them,  in 
their  meeting  at  Stirling,  on  the  17th  of  March,  1745, 
an  overture  concerning  the  Mnson  oath,  bearing,  that 
there  were  very  strong  presumptions,  that  among  Ma- 
sons an  oath  of  secrecy  is  administered  to  entrants  into 
their  society,  even  under  a  capital  penalty,  and  before 
any  of  those  things  which  they  swear  to  keep  secret  be 
revealed  to  them ;  and  that  they  pretend  to  take  some 
of  these  secrets  from  the  Bible  ;  beside  other  things, 
which  are  ground  of  scruple,  in  the  manner  of  swearing 
the  said  oath  ;  and  therefore  overturing,  that  the  synod 
would  consider  the  whole  affair,  and  give  directions  with 
respect  to  the  admission  of  persons  engaged  in  that  oath 
to  sealing  ordinances. 

"  And  whereas  the  synod,  in  their  meeting  at  Stirling 
on  the  26th  of  September,  1745,  remitted  the  overture 
concerning  the  Mason  oath,  to  the  several  sessions  sub- 
ordinate to  them,  for  their  proceeding  therein,  as  far  as 
they  should  find  practicable,  according  to  our  received 
and  known  principles,  and  the  plain  rules  of  the  Lord's 
Word,  and  sound  reason. 

"  And  whereas  the  synod,  at  their  meeting  at  Edin- 
ourgn  on  the  6th  of  March,  1755,  when  a  particular 
cause  about  the  Mason  oath  was  before  them,  did  ap- 
point all  the  sessions,  under  their  inspection,  to  require 
all  persons  in  their  respective  congregations,  who  are 
presumed  or  suspected  to  have  been  engaged  in  that 
oath,  to  make  a  plain  acknowledgment,  whether  or  not 
they  have  ever  been  so  ;  and  to  require  that  such  as 
they  may  find  to  have  been  engaged  therein,  should 
give  ingenuous  answers  to  what  further  inquiry  the  ses- 
sions may  see  cause  to  make,  concerning  the  tenor  and 
administration  of  the  said  oath  to  them  :  and  that  the 


ASSOCIATE    S}  TJOD    AGAiXST    FREEMASONS.  93 

sessions  should  proceed  to  the  purging  of  what  scandal 
they  may  thus  find  those  persons  convicted  of,  according 
to  the  directions  of  the  above-mentioned  act  of  synod  in 
September,  1745. 

k'  And  whereas  the  generality  of  the  sessions  have, 
since  the  afore-mentioned  periods,  dealt  with  several 
persons  under  their  inspection  about  the  Mason  oath  ;  in 
the  course  of  which  procedure,  by  the  confessions  made 
to  them,  they  have  found  others,  beside  those  of  the 
Mason  craft,  to  be  involved  in  that  oath  :  and  the  synod 
finding  it  proper  and  necessary  to  give  more  particular 
directions  to  the  several  sessions,  for  having  the  heinous 
profanation  of  the  Lord's  name  by  that  oath  purged  out 
of  all  the  congregations  under  their  inspection. 

"Therefore  the  synod  did,  and  hereby  do,  appoint  that 
the  several  sessions  subordinate  to  them,  in  dealing  with 
persons  about  the  Mason  oath,  shall  particularly  interro- 
gate them — if  they  have  taken  that  oath,  and  when  and 
where  they  did  so?  If  they  have  taken  the  said  oath,  or 
declared  their  approbation  of  it,  oftener  than  once,  upon 
being  admitted  to  a  higher  degree  in  a  Mason  lodge?  If 
that  oath  was  not  administered  to  them,  without  letting 
them  know  the  terms  of  it,  till  in  the  act  of  administer- 
ing the  same  to  them?  if  it  was  not  an  oath  binding 
them  to  keep  a  number  of  secrets,  none  of  which  they 
were  allowed  to  know  before  swearing  the  oath  ?  If, 
beside  a  solemn  invocation  of  the  Lord's  name  in  that 
oath,  it  did  not  contain  a  capital  penalty  about  having 
their  tongues  and  hearts  taken  out  in  case  of  breaking 
the  same?  If  the  said  oath  was  not  administered  to 
them  with  several  superstitious  ceremonies :  such  as  the 
stripping  them  of,  or  requiring  them  to  deliver  up,  any- 
thing of  metal  which  they  had  upon  them — and  making 
them  kneel  upon  their  right  knee  bare,  holding  up  their 
right  arm  bare,  with  their  elbow  upon  the  Bible,  or  with 
the  Bible  laid  before  them — or  having  the  Bible,  as  also 
the  square  and  compasses,  in  some  particular  way  applied 
to  their  bodies?  And  if,  among  the  secrets  which  they 
were  bound  by  that  oath  to  keep,  there  was  not  a  pas- 
sage of  scripture  read  to  them,  particularly  1  Kings,  vii. 
21,  with  or  without  some  explication  put  upon  the  same, 
for  being  concealed. 

"  Moreover,  the  synod  appoint,  that  the  several  sessions 


94  AN    EXAMINATION    OF    THE    ACT    OF    THE 

shall  call  before  them  all  persons  in  their  congregations 
who  are  of  the  Mason  craft,  and  others  whom  they  have 
a  particular  suspicion  of,  as  being  involved  in  the  Mason 
oath,  except  such  as  have  been  already  <!ealt  with,  and 
have  given  satisfaction  upon  that  head  ;  and  that,  upon 
their  answering  the  first  of  the  foregoing  questions  in  the 
affirmative,  the  sessions  shall  proceed  to  put  the  other 
interrogatories  before  appointed  :  as  also,  that  all  persons 
of  the  Mason  craft,  applying  for  sealing  ordinances,  and 
likewise  others,  concerning  whom  there  may  be  any  pre- 
sumption of  their  having  been  involved  in  the  Mason 
oath,  shall  be  examined  by  the  ministers  if  they  have 
been  so ;  and  upon  their  acknowledging  the  same,  or 
declining  to  answer  whether  or  not,  the  ministers  shall 
refer  them  to  be  dealt  with  by  the  sessions,  before  ad- 
mitting them  to  these  ordinances;  and  that  all  such 
persons  offering  themselves  to  the  sessions  for  joining  in 
covenanting  work,  shall  be  then  examined  by  the  sessions, 
as  to  their  concern  in  the  aforesaid  oath. 

"And  the  synod  further  appoint,  that  when  persons 
are  found  to  be  involved  in  the  Mason  oath,  according  to 
their  confessions  in  giving  plain  and  particular  answers 
to  the  foregoing  questions,  and  professing  their  sorrow 
for  the  same;  the  said  scandal  shall  be  purged  by  a  ses- 
sional rebuke  and  admonition — with  a  strict  charge  to 
abstain  from  all  concern  afterwards  in  administering  the 
-said  oath  to  any,  or  enticing  any  into  that  snare,  and 
from  all  practices  of  amusing  people  about  the  pretended 
mysteries  of  their  signs  and  secrets.  But,  that  persons 
who  shall  refuse  or  shift  to  give  plain  and  particular 
answers  to  the  foregoing  questions,  shall  be  reputed 
under  scandal  incapable  of  admission  to  sealing  ordi- 
nances, till  they  answer  and  give  satisfaction,  as  before 
appointed. 

"  And  the  synod  refer  to  the  several  sessions  to  pro- 
ceed unto  higher  censure  as  they  shall  see  cause,  in  the 
case  of  persons  whom  they  may  find  involved  in  the  said 
oath  with  special  aggravation,  as  taking  or  relapsing  into 
the  same,  in  opposition  to  warnings  against  doing  so. 

"  And  the  synod  appoint,  that  each  of  the  sessions 
under  their  inspection  shall  have  an  extract  of  this  act, 
to  be  inserted  in  their  books,  for  executing  the  same 
accordingly." 


ASSOCIATE    SYNOD    AGAINST    FREEMASONS.  95 

From  this  act  the  practices  of  this  holy  association 
appear  so  agreeable  to  those  of  the  Roman  Catholic 
church,  that  they  afford  a  shrewd  suspicion,  that  the 
principles  from  which  such  practices  result,  are  of  the 
same  nature,  and  have  the  same  dangerous  tendency, 
with  those  professed  by  the  Roman  See.2 

In  the  year  1738,  his  holiness  at  Rome,  by  the  ple- 
nitude of  the  apostolic  power,  issued  a  declaration 
condemnatory  of  the  society  of  Freemasons;3  with  an 
absolute  prohibition  to  all  the  faithful  in  Christ,  to  enter 
into,  promote,  or  favour  that  society,  under  no  less  pen- 
alty than  an  ipso  facto  excommunication;  and  the  help 
of  the  secular  arm  is  commanded  to  enforce  the  execution 
of  this  declaration.4  By  an  edict,  consequent  to  this 

2  An  attempt  has  been  recently  made  to  revive  this  persecution.     But 
I  am  persuaded,  with  Bro.  O'Ryan,  himself  an  intelligent  Roman  Catholic, 
that  "  if  the  Roman  Catholic  clergy  and  the  Freemasons  of  Ireland  were 
brought  together,  a  far  greater  number  of  literary  men  would  be  found 
amongst  the  latter  than  the  former.     It  is  needless  to  detail  the  benefits 
conferred  on  Society  in  general  by  the  Masonic  Order ;  but  it  effects  one 
good  at  least,  which  may  be  estimated  by  those  outside  its  pale — it  softens 
down  the  rancorous  feelings  of  sectarian  prejudice  and  political  partisan- 
ship.    Bound  to  our  Protestant  brother  Masons  by  a  tie  as  sanctified  as 
it  is  sublime,  we  abhor  that  narrow-minded  bigotry  which  leads  one  man 
to  dislike  another,  solely  because  he  worships  the  same  God  at  a  different 
altar,  whilst  the  Protestant,  reciprocating  this  feeling,  vies  with  his  Ca- 
tholic brother  in  a  noble  rivalship — the  rivalship  of  kindness  and  philan- 
thropy." 

3  In  France,  says  Bro.  Mackey,  the  bull  of  Clement  met  with  no  con- 
genial spirits  to  obey  it.     On  the  contrary,  it  was  the  subject  of  universal 
condemnation  as  arbitrary  and  unjust,  and  the  parliament  of  Paris  posi- 
tively refused  to  enrol  it.     But  in  other  Catholic  countries  it  was  better 
respected.      In  Tuscany  the  persecutions  were  unremitting.     A  man, 
named  Crudeli,  was  arrested  at  Florence,  thrown  into  the  dungeons  of 
the  Inquisition,  subjected  to  torture,  and  finally  sentenced  to  a  long  im- 
prisonment, on  the  charge  of  having  furnished  an  asylum  to  a  masonic 
lodge.     The  Grand  Lodge  of  England,  on  learning  the  circumstances, 
obtained  his  enlargement,  and  sent  him  pecuniary  assistance.     Francis  de 
Lorraine,  who  had   been  initiated  at  the  Hague  in  1731,  soon   after 
ascended  the  grand  ducal  throne,  and  one  of  the  first  acts  of  his  reign  was 
to  liberate  all  the  Masons  who  had  been  incarcerated  by  the  Inquisition, 
and  still  further  to  evince  his  respect  to  the  Order,  he  personally  assisted 
in  the  constitution  of  several  lodges  at  Florence,  and  in  other  cities  of  his 
dominions. 

4  In  the  Romish  Church  there  are  two  sorts  of  judges  in  matters  of 
faith  :  the  first  by  virtue  of  the  employment  with  which  they  have  been 
invested,  as  the  pope  and  the  bishops,  who,  at  their  consecration,  are 
supposed  to  receive  from  heaven  an  absolute  jurisdiction  over  heretics ; 
the  second  are  delegated  by  the  pope,  who  transfers  to  them  the  above 


96       AN  EXAMINATION  OF  THE  ACT  OF  THE 

declaration,  informations  are  commanded,  under  the 
severest  corporal  punishment,  and  encouraged  by  an 
assurance  from  the  infallible  chair,  "  that  oaths  of  secrecy 
in  matters  already  condemned,  are  thereby  rendered  void, 
and  lose  their  obligation." 

Let  it  be  recorded  in  history,  to  the  honour  of  tlx-ir 
holinesses,  the  Associate  Synod  in  Scotland,  that,  in  the 
year  1757,  they  also  thundered  out  their  tremendous  bull 
against  Freemasons :  whereby  all  their  votaries  are  en- 
joined to  reveal  everything  which  under  the  sanction  of 
a  solemn  oath  they  are  obliged  to  conceal,  they  are  there- 
after to  abstain  from  such  societies  themselves:  nor  arc 
they  to  entice  others  to  enter  them,  under  the  terrible 
certification  of  being  reputed  under  scandal,  debarred 
from  sealing  ordinances,  and  subjected  to  higher  censure, 
as  there  should  appear  cause.5 

The  professed  reasons  which  brought  the  fraternity 
under  the  papal  displeasure,  were,  that  they  confederated 
persons  of  all  religions  and  sects,  under  a  show  of  natural 

jurisdiction.  These  are  called  Apostolical  Inquisitors  ;  and  the  employ- 
ment is  of  such  dignity,  that  they  rank  with  the  bishops,  and  were 
exempt  from  the  episcopal  power.  They  have  the  authority  to  publish 
edicts  against  heretics,  to  punish  them  at  their  pleasure,  to  excommuni- 
cate them  or  take  away  their  lives. 

6  Laurie  gives  the  following  detailed  account  of  this  transaction  : — "  In 
the  year  1745,  the  Associate  Synod,  consisting  of  a  few  bigotted  dissenters, 
attempted  to  disturb  the  peace  of  the  fraternity ;  and  had  they  been  pos- 
sessed of  half  the  power  of  the  Church  of  Rome,  or  the  Council  of  Berne, 
their  proceedings,  prompted  by  equal  fanaticism,  would  have  been  marked 
with  the  same  severity ;  but,  fortunately  for  the  Order,  their  power  extended 
only  to  the  spiritual  concerns  of  those  delinquents,  who  were  of  the  same 
sect  as  themselves.  In  the  beginning  of  the  year  1745,  an  overture  was  laid 
before  the  Synod  of  Stirling,  stating  that  many  improper  things  were 
performed  at  the  initiation  of  Masons,  and  requesting  that  the  synod 
would  consider  whether  or  not  the  members  of  that  Order  were  entitled 
to  partake  in  the  ordinances  of  religion.  The  synod  remitted  this  over- 
ture to  all  the  kirk  sessions  under  their  inspection,  allowing  them  to  act 
as  they  thought  proper.  In  1755,  they  ordered  that  every  person  who 
was  suspected  of  being  a  Freemason  should  return  an  explicit  answer  to 
any  question  that  might  be  asked  concerning  the  Mason  oath.  In  the 
course  of  these  examinations,  the  kirk  session  discovered  (for  they  seem 
hitherto  to  have  been  ignorant  of  it)  that  men  who  were  not  architects 
were  admitted  into  the  Order.  On  this  account  the  synod,  in  the  year 
1757,  thought  it  necessary  to  adopt  stricter  measures.  They  drew  up  a 
a  list  of  foolish  questions,  which  they  appointed  every  kirk  session  to  put 
to  those  under  thei'r  charge.  Those  questions  related  to  what  they 
thought  were  the  ceremonies  of  Freemasonry ;  and  those  who  refused  to 
answer  them  were  debarred  from  religious  ordinances."  (Hist.  p.  132.) 


ASSOCIATE    SYNOD    AGAINST    FREEMASONS.  97 

honesty,  in  a  close  and  inscrutable  bond,  and  under 
certain  ceremonies,  which,  by  an  oath  taken  on  the  Bible, 
they  obliged  them,  by  the  imprecation  of  heavy  punish- 
ments, to  preserve  with  inviolable  secrecy.6 

These,  urged  by  the  seceders  as  the  motive  of  their 
proceedings,  are,  that  the  Masons  administered  their  oath 
of  secrecy,  under  a  capital  penalty,  without  first  declar- 
ing what  the  matters  to  be  concealed  are  ;  and  that  some 
of  these  things  are  taken  from  the  Bible.  And  the  pub- 
lishers of  the  Scots'  Magazine  very  quaintly  insinuate 
another  reason,  that  the  whole  matters  thus  communi- 
cated under  the  strictest  ties  of  secrecy,  are  a  bundle  of 
trifles  and  inconsistencies,  unworthy  of  the  solemnity  of  an 
oath  ;7  this  they  do  by  a  reference  made  to  a  pretended 

6  This  ordinance  is  perfectly  correct.     Masonry  is  a  cosraopolitical 
institution,  and  makes  no  inquiry  into  the  religion  of  a  Brother,  provided 
he  shall  furnish  the  lodge  which  he  desires  to  visit  with  a  certificate  of 
moral  worth,  according  to  the  regulations  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  Dec.  27, 
1663,  that  "  no  person  hereafter  who  shall  be  accepted  a  Freemason, 
shall  be  admitted  into  any  lodge  or  assembly,  until  he  has  brought  a  cer- 
tificate of  the  time  and  place  of  his  acceptation,  from  the  lodge  that 
accepted  him,  unto  the  Master  of  that  limit  or  division  where  such  lodge 
is  kept."     This  regulation  has  since  been  reiterated  on  several  occa- 
sions, and  is  a  custom  prevalent  in  every  country  where  Freemasonry 
flourishes. 

7  Trifles  and  inconsistencies !      Hear  the  testimony  of  the  wise  and 
good ;  and  first  the  Marquis  of  Hastings.     He  said,  in  his  reply  to  an 
address  by  the  Freemasons  of  Calcutta,  that  "  the  secrecy  observed  in 
masonic  proceedings,  and  the  rigid  scrutiny  exercised  into  the  private 
character  of  candidates  for  admission,  has  excited  the  curiosity  of  the 
higher  ranks,  and  at  the  same  time  removed  every  fear  of  their  discredit- 
ing themselves  by  becoming  members  of  the  fraternity.     Once  initiated, 
they  received  lessons  which  never  could  have  reached  them   in  any  other 
situation"     Hear  what  Bro.  Lewis  Crombie,  Esq.,  says  in  his  address  to 
the  l)uke  of  Richmond  : — "  In  the  history  of  man  there  are  few  things 
more  remarkable  than  that  Masonry  and  civilization,  like  twin  sisters, 
have  gone  hand  in  hand.     Dark,  dreary,  and  comfortless  were  those  days 
when  Masonry  had  not  laid  her  line,  or  extended  her  compasses.     The 
great  end  of  Masonry  is  to  promote  the  happiness  of  the  whole  human 
race.     Our  creed   is — faith,  hope,  and   charity ;    our   motto — concord, 
harmony,  and  peace."    And,  finally,  hear  the  opinion  of  our  late  princely 
Grand  Master,  the  Duke  of  Sussex : — "  I  have  endeavoured,  all  through 
my  masonic  career,  to  bring  into  Masonry  the  great  fact,  that  fcom  the 
highest  to  the  lowest,  all  should  feel  convinced  that  one  could  not  exist 
without  the  other.     In  my  career,  I  have  met  with  many  and  severe  trials 
— trials  to  which  human  nature  ought  to  be  exposed,  and  which,  as  a 
Mason,  I  have  been  able  to  bear.     When  the  profane,  who  do  not  know 
our  mysteries,  are  carried  away  by  prejudice,  and  do  not  acknowledge 
',he  value  of  our  society,  let  them  learn  by  our  conduct,  that  a  good 


9S  AN    EXAMLXATIOX    OF    THE    Af.'T    OF    THE 

discovery  of  tiie  secrets  of  Masonry,  published  in  tlirir 
Magazine,  1755,  p.  13^,  and  communicated  to  them,  it 
may  be  presumed,  by  the  same  correspondents. 

The  great  conformity  betwixt  these  two  bulls  1« 
small  room  to  doubt  but  the  last,  as  well  as  the  first, 
would  have  had  the  sanction  of  corpora-  punishments,  if 
God,  for  the  curse  of  mankind,  luid  strengthened  tin; 
hands,  and  seconded  the  intolerating  views  of  its  authors, 
with  secular  power.8  They  have  not,  however,  omitted 
what  was  within  their  grasp;  but  have  attempted  to 
erect  a  dominion  over  the  consciences  of  mankind,  by 
assuming  a  power  of  dispensing  with  humnn  obligations. 
This  is  a  privilege  which,  however  envied,  the  reformed 
clergy  have  hitherto  left,  together  with  his  pretended 
infallibility,  in  the  possession  of  their  elder  brother  at 
Rome;9  till,  in  the  more  enlightened  age,  these  bold 
assertersof  the  Christian  rights  have  dared  to  reclaim  and 
vindicate  it  as  their  own  ;  for,  should  Antichrist  enjoy 
any  benefit  which  the  saints  are  not  better  entitled  to? 

This  is  not  the  least  engine  which  has  been  success- 
fully employed  to  rear  up  and  support  the  enormous 
fabric  of  the  Roman  hierarchy.  The  most  solemn  treaties 
betwixt  princes  and  states,  the  allegiance  of  subjects  to 
their  sovereigns,10  the  obligations  of  private  contracts, 

Mason  is  a  good  moral  man."  (Speech  at  the  presentation  of  the  Sussex 
Offering.) 

8  Thus  the  fiery  bigot  is  supposed  to  say  : — 

"  Let  the  Inquisition  rage,  fresh  cruelties 
Make  the  dire  engines  groan  with  tortured  cries ; 
Let  Campo  Plori  every  day  be  strew'd 
With  the  warm  ashes  of  the  Lutheran  brood ; 
Repeat  again  Bohemian  slaughter  o'er, 
And  Piedmont  valleys  drown  with  floating  gore ; 
Swifter  than  murdering  angels,  when  they  fly 
On  errands  of  avenging  destiny. 
Fiercer  than  storms  let  loose,  with  eager  haste 
Lay  cities,  countries,  realms,  whole  nature  waste. 
Sack,  ravish,  burn,  destroy,  slay,  massacre, 
'Till  the  same  grave  their  lives  and  names  inter." 

(OLHHAM,  sat.  iii.) 

9  The  papal  Culminations  have  often  made  the  Christian  world  tremble  ; 
but  at  this  period  the  storms  which  gathered  in  the  Vatican  seldom  ex- 
tended farther  than  Italy,  Spain,  and  Portugal ;  at  least  they  found  it  a 
very  difficult  matter  to  cross  the  Alps.     The  thunder  of  Jupiter  Capito- 
linus,  however,  thank  heaven,  though  its  noise  may  be  imitated,  is  no 
longer  clothed  with  its  ancient  terrors. 

10  As  an  instance  of  its  unscrupulous  conduct  in  these  respects,  the  in- 
quisition of  Castile  attempted  to  prosecute  the  memory  of  the  Emperor 


ASSOCIATE    SYNOD    AGAINST    FREEMASONS.  99 

the  marriage  vow,  and  every  other  the  most  sacred  bond 
of  human  society,  are  dissolved,  and  fly  off  at  the  breath 
of  this  dispensing  power,  like  chaff  before  the  wind ;  and 
to  this,  as  to  their  native  source,  may  be  ascribed  those 
many  wars  and  devastations,  rebellions,  massacres,  and 
assassinations,  with  which  every  page  of  the  history  of 
the  Christian  world  is  defiled.  Is  it  possible  that  a 
doctrine  attended  with  such  a  train  of  dreadful  con- 
sequences can  have  any  foundation  either  in  reason  or 
revelation?11 

The  nature  of  an  oath,  particularly  of  a  promissory 
oath,,  which  this  pretended  power  only  respects,  com- 
prehends a  solemn  invocation  of  the  name  of  God,  the 
Supreme  and  Omniscient  Being,  the  searcher  of  the 
hearts  and  the  trier  of  the  reins  of  the  children  of  men, 
not  only  as  an  impartial  witness12  of  what  is  promised, 
but  likewise  as  the  judge  and  certain  avenger  of  perjury, 
falsehood,  and  deceit.13  The  performance  of  the  oath 

Charles  V.,  and  to  sentence  his  will  to  the  flames  as  heretical,  because  it 
was  not  drawn  up  after  the  manner  of  the  Roman  Catholics ;  or,  in  other 
words,  that  no  sums  of  money  were  bequeathed  for  saying-  masses.  This 
gave  great  offence  to  the  inquisitors,  and  therefore  they  sentenced  it  to 
the  flames.  Philip,  the  son  of  Charles,  who  had  hitherto  beheld  with  the 
utmost  indifference  the  conduct  of  the  inquisitors,  now  roused  as  from  a 
lethargy,  and  endeavoured  to  stop  the  prosecution,  employing  the  gentlest 
expedients  for  fear  of  the  inquisitors.  But  his  son  Don  Carlos,  enter- 
taining the  utmost  veneration  for  his  grandfather's  memory,  was  highly 
Dffended  at  the  insult,  and  threatened  to  extirpate  the  inquisition  when  he 
3ame  to  the  throne  for  this  abominable  outrage  ;  to  prevent  which,  the 
inquisitors  determined  to  sacrifice  him  to  their  vengeance  ;  and  for  this 
purpose  they  obtained  such  an  entire  ascendancy  over  the  mind  of  this 
weak  monarch,  that  he  sentenced  his  son  to  die  ;  and  the  only  indulgence 
allowed  him  was  to  choose  the  manner  of  his  death.  He  had  recourse  to 
the  hot  bath,  in  which  the  veins  of  his  arms  and  legs  being  opened,  he 
died  gradually  ;  and  thus  fell  a  martyr  to  the  merciless  inquisitors. 

11  The  pope,  as  the  head  of  the  universal  church,  imagines  himself  pos- 
sessed of  the  power  of  Jesus  Christ  to  open  and  shut  the  gates  of  hea- 
ven. He  is  the  person  who  forgives  sins,  and  by  his  dispensations  makes 
that  lawful  which  the  scripture  pronounces  unlawful.  He  draws  out  of 
his  treasury  indulgences  to  pardon  and  enliven  those  who  are  dead  in 
trespasses  and  sins.  On  the  payment  of  certain  sums  of  money  he  restores 
those  who  have  been  degraded  ;  and  pronounces  excommunication  against 
heretics,  rebels,  and  transgressors. 

14  Jeremiah  xlii.  5. 

13  Oaths  are  imposed  under  all  systems  of  religion,  and  under  every 

political  institution.  (See  the  Golden  Remains,  vol.  i.  lect.  2  ;  and  vol.  ii. 

lect.  3.)     I  find  a  similar  practice  amongst  the  followers  of  Mahomet. 

Lane  says,  that  amongst  a  people  by  whom  falsehood,  in  certain  cases,  is 

5* 


100  AN    EXAMINATION    OF    THE    ACT    OF    THE 

becomes  thereby  cognizable  by  the  omniscience  of  the 
divine  tribunal  ;14  and  his  justice  and  omnipotence  will 
not  fail  to  pour  out  the  phial  of  his  threatened  vengeance 
upon  that  execrated  head   which   lias  (hired  to  invo; 
the  name  of  the  Lord  in  vain.1' 

Such  are  the  conclusions  of  sound  reason,  warranted 
by  scripture.  Can  it,  then,  be  imagined  that  God  has  left 
it  in  the  power  of  man  to  alter  these  established  rules  of 
his  judgments  and  procedure'?16  Would  not  this  be,  as 
the  poet  says,  to 

"  Snatch  from  his  hand  the  balance  and  the  rod, 
Rejudge  his  justice — be  the  God  of  GOD." — POPE. 

There  arises  likewise  from  an  oath  a  requisidonal  right 
to  the  person  in  whose  behalf  it  is  conceived.  The  thing 
promised  becomes  his  property;  of  which,  so  far  as  the 
acquisition  does  not  infringe  any  anterior  obligation,  he 
cannot  be  defrauded  by  any  dispensing  power,  without 
manifest  injustice,  and  the  exercise  of  an  arbitrary  and 
despotic  authority. 

The  cause  of  introducing  oaths  into  civil  society  affords 
another  forcible  argument  against  this  dispensing  power 17 

not  only  allowed  but  commended,  oaths  of  different  kinds  are  more  or  less 
binding,  and  may  sometimes  be  expiated.  There  are  some  oaths  which 
few  Moslims  would  falsely  take  ;  such  as  saying  three  times,  "  by  God  the 
Great,"  and  the  oath  upon  the  Koran,  "  by  what  this  contains  of  the  word 
of  God."  This  latter  is  rendered  more  binding  by  placing  a  sword  upon 
the  sacred  volume,  and  still  more  so,  by  the  addition  of  a  cake,  or  a  piece 
of  bread,  or  a  handful  of  salt. 

14  Jeremiah  xxix.  23. 

16  Zechariah  v.  4.  Juris  juraudi  contempta  religio  satis  Deum  ultorem 
habet.  (Paud.  1.  2,  c.  de  Reb.  cred.  et  Jurejur.) 

16  In  Roman  Catholic  countries,  as  we  learn  from  the  catechism  of 
Bossuet,  when  the  church  imposes  any  painful  and  laborious  penances 
upon  sinners,  and  they  undergo  them  with  patience  and  humility,  this  is 
called  a  satisfaction ;  and  when  the  church  shows  any  reirard,  either  to 
the  ardent  devotion  of  the  penitents,  or  to  other  good  works  which  she 
prescribes,  and  remits  any  part  of  the  punishment  due  to  them,  it  is  called 
an  indulgence. 

17  The  presumed  masonic  oath  constituted  the  great  engine  which  was 
wielded  with  such  effect  during  the  antimasouic  persecutions  of  our  Breth- 
ren iu  the  United  States,  a  few  years  ago.     The  most  moderate  writer  of 
the  party  thus  expresses  himself: — "  Swear  not  at  all,  is  the  command  of 
Him  who  spake  as  never  man  spake ;  and  although,  in  the  imperfect  con- 
dition of  human  society,  a  literal  compliance  with  this  divine  injunction 
has  been  deemed  impracticable,  yet  it  is  a  golden  rule,  which  ought  never 
to  be  transgressed  when  its  violation  can  be  avoided.     Nay,  inore.  any 
society,  secret  or  otherwise,  that  administers  oaths,  must  be  dangerous  to 


ASSOCIATE    SYNOD    AGAINST    FREEMASONS.  10J 

The  natural  and  indispensable  obligations  to  justice  and 
equity,  even  assisted  by  the  fear  of  civil  punishments, 
were  found  insufficient  to  correct  the  depravity  of  the 
human  mind,  and  prevent  a  bias  to  apparent  self-interest 
in  the  performance  of  mutual  contracts.  It  was  found 
necessary  to  assume  the  aid  of  religion,  and  upon  the 
faith  of  an  oath  to  establish  a  mutual  trust.  This  arises 
from  a  confidence,  that  he  who  swears  will  never  violate 
that  promise  to  which  he  called  God  to  be  his  witness, 
and  of  the  breach  whereof  he  has  obtested  him  to  be  the 
judge  and  avenger.18  But,  if  there  is  anywhere  on  earth 
lodged  a  power  of  absolving  from  these  obligations, 
mutual  error  and  diffidence  must  take  place  of  the  hap- 
piness and  tranquillity  expected  from  civil  society,  of 
which  the  utter  subversion  must  ensue.19 

However  extraordinary  this  claim  may  appear,  his 
holiness  the  pope  arrogates  it  to  himself  very  consistent- 
ly with  his  other  high  attributes.  He  is  the  viceroy  of 
God,  and,  under  him,  the  spiritual  lord  of  the  universe. 
All  mankind  are  his  subjects,  and  every  oath,  every  con- 

the  well-being  of  the  community,  if  those  oaths  can  be  supposed  by  any 
one  who  takes  them  to  be  of  higher  obligation  than  the  laws,  or  if  they 
can  be  so  far  tortured  as  to  allow  of  such  a  construction.  That  the  obli- 
gations of  the  Masonic  Order,  in  some  portions  of  our  country,  have  been 
thus  construed,  and  thus  acted  upon,  appears  so  clearly  as  to  render  a 
denial  impossible.  And  this  single  fact,  were  it  unsupported  by  any 
other  circumstances,  would,  in  my  mind,  be  sufficient  to  render  it  obliga- 
tory upon  the  Masons  to  relinquish  the  Order !"  (Stone's  Letters, 
p.  65.) 

18  An  oath  is  a  solemn  appeal  to  God,  as  to  an  All-seeing  witness,  and 
an  Almighty  avenger,  if  what  we  say  be  false.    (Heb.  vi.  16.)     It  is  an 
act  of  religious  worship ;  whence  God  requires  it  to  be  done  in  his  uamo 
(Deut.  x.  20)  ;  and  points  out  the  manner  in  which  it  ought  to  be  ad- 
ministered, and  the  duty  of  the  person  who  swears.     (Ps.  xv.  4  ;  xxiv.  4  ; 
Jer.  iv.  2.)     An  oath  in  itself  is  not  unlawful,  either  as  it  is  a  religious 
act,  or  as  God  is  called  on  to  witness. 

19  "  We  believe,"  says  M.  Bossuet,  "  that  it  was  the  will  of  Jesus  Christ, 
that  those  who  have  submitted  themselves  to  the  authority  of  the  church 
by  baptism,  and  have  afterwards  violated  the  laws  of  the  gospel,  shall  be 
subject  to  the  decision  of  the  same  church  in  the  tribunal  of  penance, 
when  she  exercises  the  full  power  granted  her  of  absolution  and  remission 
of  sins.     The  terms  of  the  commission  which  is  given  to  the  ministers  of 
the  church  to  forgive  sins,  are  so  genera!,  that  it  would  be  presumptuous 
to  confine  it  to  public  sins  only  ;  and  as  when  they  pronounce  absolution 
in  the  name  of  Jesus  Christ,  they  only  observe  the  express  terms  of  that 
commission  ;  so  the  sentence  is  regarded  as  passed  upon  them  by  Tesus 
Christ  himself." 


102  AN    EXAMINATION    OF    THE    ACT    OF    THE 

tract,   is   with   a   reversion   of  its    being   to   him    well 
pleasing,20 

But  upon  what  consistent  bottom  their  holinesses  the 
brethren  of  the  association  found  their  absolving  power, 
is  not  so  evident.  Perhaps,  like  the  Jesuits,  those  expert 
casuists,  and  subtile  divines,  they  will  distinguish  arid  re 
solve  it  into  a  declaratory;  whereby,  from  their  profound 
knowledge,  they  only  show  that  certain  oaths,  from  the 
particular  circumstances  that  attend  them,  are  unjust  or 
wicked  ;  and  the  performance  of  them  will  not  therefore 
be  expected  by  God ;  nor  is  it  eligible  by  man,  or  obliga- 
tory on  the  conscience. 

In  this  view  let  us  examine  their  conduct  towards  the 
Freemasons  ;  and  endeavour  to  explore  on  which  side  the 
imputation  of  blasphemy  and  impiety  will  fall. 

In  this  conflict  the  match  is  very  unequal :  a  Free- 
mason, while  he  defends  the  mysteries  of  the  craft,  is  at 
every  step  under  the  awe  and  reverence  of  his  oath.  He 
cannot,  therefore,  exhibit  those  mysteries  to  view,  or 
subject  them  to  examination.  He  must,  then,  like  the 
lion  in  the  fable,  suppose  the  picture  such  as  it  is  repre- 
sented by  his  antagonists. 

Untainted  probity  frequently  meets  with  strong  oppo- 
sition from  villainy  supported  by  fraud.  Experience  lias 
taught  her  to  oppose  prudence  to  cunning,  and  secrecy 
and  resolution  to  the  dark  designs  and  dire  machinations 
of  her  foes.  But  the  depravity  or  facility  of  mankind 

20  The  pope  takes  place  of  all  Christian  princes  as  the  vicar  of  Jesus 
Christ  here  on  earth.  The  emperors  in  former  times  went  to  Rome  to 
receive  the  imperial  diadem  from  the  hands  of  his  holiness,  and  there 
solemnly  promised  and  bound  themselves  to  support  the  church  and  its 
supreme  head  to  the  utmost  of  their  power.  They  then  took  the  usual 
oaths  ;  and  after  thus  securing  to  the  pope  his  rights  and  privileges,  the 
petitioning  emperor  was  admitted,  and  was  received  by  his  holiness  seat- 
ed in  state  upon  his  throne ;  before  which  the  emperor  gradually  ap- 
proaching, with  one  knee  always  upon  the  ground,  kneeled  down  and 
kissed  his  holiness  !s  feet.  But  before  his  imperial  majesty  could  be 
crowned,  he  was  obliged  to  take  another  oath  to  secure  the  pope's  prero- 
gative, and  the  domains  of  the  church.  After  the  coronation  there  was 
a  solemn  procession,  in  which  his  imperial  majesty  appeared  with  the 
crown,  sceptre,  and  globe ;  but  as  he  went  out  of  the  basilica,  he  was 
obliged  to  divest  himself  of  these,  in  order  to  hold  the  pope's  stirrup 
while  he  mounted  his  horse,  which  he  led-  by  the  bridle  for  some  con- 
siderable distance,  before  he  was  allowed  to  resume  the  insignia  of  his 
rank. 


ASSOCIATE    SYNOD    AGAINST    FREEMASONS. 

soon  discovered  the  difficulty  of  attaining  that  degree  of 
secrecy,  upon  which  the  success  of  enterprise  must  often 
depend;  and,  from  a  confidence  of  which,  resolution  and 
activity  result.  To  remedy  this  defect,  religion  oppor- 
tunely interposes,  and  affords  the  sanction  of  an  oath; 
under  the  security  of  which  the  schemes  suggested  and 
maturely  planned  by  judgment  are  entrusted  to  prudence 
and  resolution  for  their  execution.  Hence,  oaths  of  se- 
crecy have  become  one  of  the  necessary  hinges  of  govern- 
ment ;  they  have  been  adopted  by  every  civil  state,  and 
every  branch  of  administration  requires  them.21  To  them 
must  be  ascribed  the  success  of  the  greatest  enterprises. 
Under  their  influence  the  noble,  generous  plan  of  British 
liberty  was  matured  into  execution,  and  the  purposes  of 
popish  tyranny  rendered  abortive  by  the  revolution  ;  and 
to  them  the  Freemason  owns  his  grateful  acknowledg- 
ments, for  the  unrestrained  liberty  of  defending  his  craft, 
and  of  detecting  the  damnable  principles  and  black  prac- 
tices of  the  pretended  messengers  of  Christ,  without  the 
dread  of  a  merciless  inquisition.  The  innocence  of  such 
oaths  cannot,  then,  be  doubted;  and  their  necessity  suffi- 
ciently sanctifies  their  use.22 

But  it  seems  the  seceders  hold  it  a  crime  to  exact  an 
oath  of  secrecy,  before  the  things  required  to  be  kept 
secret  be  revealed.  Can  anything  be  more  ridiculous 


21  An  oath  is  accompanied  with  an  invocation  of  God  to  witness  what 
we  say  ;  and  with  an  imprecation  of  his  vengeance,  or  a  renunciation  of 
his  favour,  if  what  we  affirm  be  false,  or  what  we  promise  be  not  per- 
formed.    The  laws  of  all  civilized  states  have  required  the  sucurity  of  an 
oath  for  evidence  given  in  a  court  of  justice ;  and  on  other  occasions 
where  it  may  be  lawfully  administered. 

22  u  rp^  (j|lurch  of  Rome,"  says  Laurie  (p.  133),  "  were  contented  with 
dispersing  the  fraternity,  and  receiving  its  repentant  members  into  their 
communion.     The  council  of  Berne  went  no  farther  than  abolishing  the 
society,  and  compelling  the  Brethren  to  renounce  their  engagements,  lest 
these  should  be  inconsistent  with  the  duties  of  citizens.     But  a  synod  of 
Scottish  dissenters,  who  cannot  imitate,  in  these  points,  the  Church  of 
Rome,  and  the  Council  of  Berne,  must,  forsooth,  outstrip  them  in  another. 
They  must  compel  the  Freemasons  of  their  congregation  to  give  them  an 
account  of  those  mysteries  and  ceremonies  which  their  avarice  and  fear 
hinder  them  from  obtaining  by  regular  initiation.     And  Avhat,  pray,  be- 
comes of  those  perjured  men  from  whom  such  information  is  obtained  ? 
They  are  promised  admission  into  the  ordinances  of  religion,  from  whom 
something  worse  than  a  demoniac  had  been  ejected.     The  criminality, 
may  we  not  say,  the  villainy  of  such  proceedings,  should  be  held  up  to  the 
ridicule  and  detestation  of  the  public." 


104  AN    EXAMINATION    OF    THE    ACT    OF    THE 

than  this  objection'?  The  purpose  of  such  oaths  would 
thereby  be  disappointed;  for  the  secret  would  be  com- 
municated without  any  security  or  obligation  to  preserve 
it — and  it  would  then  become  optional  to  grant  it  or  not. 
Cromwell,  that  arch  politician,  when  he  imagined  his 
secretary's  clerk,  who  was  fast  asleep,  had  overheard  him 
deliver  some  important  orders,  would  not  trust  to  the 
security  of  a  subsequent  oath,  and  thought  that  secivry 
could  be  assured  only  by  his  immediate  death.583  The 
common  practice  of  the  world  refutes  the  objection, 
which  could  only  proceed  from  those  whose  want  of  mo- 
desty equals  that  of  their  honesty. 

Mankind  is  so  prone  to  religion,  that  it  requires  only 
confidence  enough  for  any  person,  however  unqualified, 
to  assume  the  character  of  spiritual  guides,  and  they 
will  not  fail  to  obtain  votaries.  These,  from  that  same 
tendency,  soon  yield  up  their  judgment  and  consciences 
to  the  direction  of  their  teachers  ;  and  their  affections  or 
antipathies,  which  become  no  longer  their  own,  are 
pointed  at  particular  objects,  as  the  zeal  or  private  inter- 
est of  their  priest  shall  dictate. 

One  distinguishing  characteristic  of  the  associate 
brethren  seems  to  be,  an  abhorrence  of  every  oath  not 
devised  by  themselves,24  and  framed  to  promote  the  in- 
terest of  faction,  rebellion,  and  schism.25  They  have  not 

23  A  French  writer,  however,  who  ascribes  the  invention  of  Masonry  to 
Cromwell,  confesses  that  he  was  perfectly  satisfied  with  the  security  of 
an  oath.  He  says — "  It  was  owing  to  this  wise  management  of  Cromwell 
that  Masonry  was  divided  into  several  degrees.  Taking  the  building  of 
Solomon's  temple  for  his  model,  nothing  escaped  him  which  might  aid  his 
purpose.  All  these  different  classes,  viz.,  the  Entered  Apprentice,  the 
FeUowcraft,  the  Master  Mason,  &c.,  were  among  those  whom  Solomon 
employed  in  the  building ;  and  he  bound  them  all  with  an  oath,  which  in 
all  cases  was  inviolable  ;  and  it  was  this  that  accelerated  his  success,  and 
paved  the  way  for  him  to  mount  the  throne  of  England." 

34  Such  was  the  case  in  the  United  States  with  the  anti-masonic  party 
during  the  persecution  of  Masonry  in  1833,  as  witness  the  following  act 
against  masonic  oaths  : — "  Be  it  enacted,  £c.,  that  if  any  person,  autho- 
rized or  not  authorized  by  law,  shall  administer  to  any  pel-son  or  persons 
any  oath,  affirmation  or  Obligation  in  the  nature  of  an  oath,  not  autho- 
rized by  law ;  or  if  any  person  shall  permit  or  suffer  any  such  oath,  &c., 
to  be  administered  in  their  presence,  he  shall  forfeit  the  sum  of  one  hun- 
dred dollars  for  the  first  oftence,  and  for  the  second,  shall,  in  addition  to 
the  above  penalty,  be  for  ever  disqualified  from  holding  any  public  office." 

35  They  have  in  their  synods  condemned,  as  unlawful.'  the  clauses  in 
burgess  oaths,  with  respect  to  religion  and  allegiance  to  the  king. 


ASSOCIATE    SYNOD    AGAINST    FREEMASONS.  105 

as  yet,  however,  perverted  the  morals  of  all  their  fol- 
lowers ;  some  of  "them,  notwithstanding  all  their  en- 
deavours, still  retain  a  regard  for  an  oath,  as  the  sacred 
and  inviolable  bond  of  society.  This,  they  perceived, 
was  a  check  to  their  ambitious  views  of  an  unlimited 
obedience  from  their  people.  It  was  therefore  necessary 
to  diminish  that  reverence  in  hopes  that,  when  their 
deluded  flock  had  learned  to  overleap  the  fence  in  one 
instance,  they  would  not  be  scrupulous  to  do  it  in  any 
other.  And  for  this  end  the  nature  of  an  oath  of  secrecy 
is  deliberately  misrepresented,  and  rashness  and  profanity 
ascribed  to  it.26 

As  I  am  obliged  to  suppose  the  secrets  of  Masonry 
such  as  they  are  represented  by  the  associate  brethren,  I 
shall  follow  the  order  laid  down  for  their  interrogatories 
in  their  act. 

They  object,  that  the  Mason  oath  is  administered  by 
an  invocation  of  the  name  of  God,  attended  with  certain 
rites  and  ceremonies  of  a  superstitious  nature,  and  under 
a  capital  penalty.27 

By  attending  to  the  nature  of  an  oath,  it  will  appear, 
that  the  obtesting  God,  as  a  witness  and  avenger,  neces- 
sarily implies  an  imprecation  of  his  wrath  ;  which,  if  the 


26  The  real  object  in  view  was  to  dissolve  the  institution,  but  it  failed, 
as  every  similar  attempt  has  done  which  had  the  same  intention.     The 
antimasons  in  the  United  States  bent  their  whole  strength  to  the  work, 
without  success.     The  celebrated  Hon.  Richard  Rush,  attorney-general 
and  secretary  of  state,  in  an  address  to  the  antimasons  of  Pennsylvania, 
held  out  a  most  magniloquent  boast  to  this  effect : — "  We  have  been  told 
that  Masonry  is  too  strong  to  be  put  down ;  that  such  attempts  have  been 
made  in  European  countries,  and  have  failed.     Let  this  animate  you  but 
the  more.     Already  it  has  been  the  glory  of  America  to  set  Europe  the 
example  of  conquest  over  public  abuses  in  many  memorable  ways.     It 
may  be  her  further  glory  to  be  the  first  to  dispel  the  solemn  folly,  and 
break  the  tyrannical  fetters,  of  Masonry.    The  day  that  shall  witness  this 
triumph  among  us,  may  well  deserve  to  stand  next  in  our  celebration  to 
the  Fourth  of  July." — That  day  never  came !     The  fraternity  heard  the 
thunder  in  silence,  and  it  passed  over  innocuously. 

27  The  Ex-President  Adams  hinges  the  existence  of  Masonry  on  the 
presumed  oath.     "  The  whole  cause,"  he  says,  "  between  Masonry  and 
antimasonry,  now  on  trial  before  the  tribunal  of  public  opinion,  is  con- 
centrated in  one  single  act.     Let  a  single  lodge  resolve  that  they  will 
cease  to  administer  that  oath,  and  that  lodge  is  dissolved.    Let  the  whole 
Order  resolve  that  this  oath  shall  no  longer  be  administered,  and  the 
Order  is  dissolved  ;  for  the  abolition  of  that  oath  necessarily  implies  the 
extinction  of  all  the  others." 


JOG  AN    EXAMINATION    OF    THE    ACT    OF    THE 

doctrine  of  providence  is  believed,  must  imply  all  tem- 
poral as  well  as  eternal  punishments,  it  matters  not 
whether  any  penalty  is  expressed  ;  nor  does  the  doing 
so  in  any  degree  alter  the  nature  of  the  obligation.28 

As  to  the  ceremonies  pretended  to  be  adhibited  to  this 
o<ith,  they  appear  to  be  innocent  in  themselves  ;  and,  if 
the  Masons  use  any  such,  instead  of  ascribing  these  to  a 
superstitious  regard,  charity  would  conclude  that  they 
were  not -without  an  emphatic  and  allegorical  meaning. 

Oaths  have  almost  universally  had  some  rite  or  cere- 
mony annexed,  which,  however  insignificant  in  them- 
selves, were  originally  expressive  of  something  that 
tended  to  increase  the  awe  and  respect  due  to  that  solemn 
act.  The  casuists  agree,  that,  though  the  oath  is  equally 
obligatory  without  them,  the  perjury  is,  however,  in- 
creased by  the  solemnity.29  All  nations  have  adopted 
them ;  the  Hebrews,  by  putting  their  hand  below  the 
thigh  of  the  person  to  whom  they  swore  j30  the  pagans, 
by  taking  hold  of  the  altar  ;31  and  both,  protending  their 
hands  to  heaven  ;32  in  which  last  they  have  been  followed 
by  all  Christian  nations ;  some  of  whom,  particularly 
our  sister  kingdom,  when  they  take  an  oath,  touch  or 

28  "  Illud  videtur  esse  certum,  omue  juramentura  promissorium,  qua- 
cunque  forma  concipiatur,  explicatiore  vel  contractiore,  utramque  virtu- 
aliter  continere  attestatiouem,  sc.  et  execrationem.     Nam  in  juramento, 
et  execratio  suppouit  attestationem,  ut  quid  sibi  prius ;   et  attestatio 
subinfert  execratiouem  ut  suum  uecessarium  consequens."    (Sauuderson, 
de  oblig.  juram.  prael.  1,  sect,  x.) 

29  An  extraordinary  kind  of  oath,  as  it  may  appear  to  us,  was  used  in 
Egypt.     "  As  Pharoah  liveth  "  (Gten.  xlii.  15),  or  by  the  life  of  Pliaroah. 
This  custom  of  swearing  by  the  king  still  continues  in  the  East.    J  lamvay 
(Trav.  vol.  i.,  p.  313)  tells  us,  that  the  most  sacred  oath  amongst  the 
Persians  is,  "by  the  king's  head  ;"  and  in  the  Travels  of  the  Ambussi- 
dors  (p.  204),  we  find  the  following  instance  : — <;  There  were  but  sixty 
horses  for  ninety-four  persons.     The  mehemander  swore  by  the  head  of 
the  king  (which  is  the  greatest  oath  among  the  Persians)  that  he  could 
not  possibly  find  any  more."     And  Theveuot  says  (Trav.  pt.  ii.,  p.  97), 
"  that  if  they  swear  by  the  king's  head,  their  oath  is  considered  of 
greater  credit,  than  if  they  swore  by  all  that  is  most  sacred  in  heaven 
and  earth." 

30  Genesis  xxvi.  2  ;  xlvii.  29. 

31  "  Et  ut  mos  Graecorum  est,  Jurandi  causa,  ad  aras  accederet."    (Cic. 
pro  Balbo.) 

3J  Genesis  xiv.  22. 

"  Suspicions  coeluin,  tenditque  ad  sidera  dextram, 
Haec  eadem,  ^Enea,  terrain,  mare,  sidera  juro." 

(ViRO.  I.  12,  v.  196.) 


ASSOCIATE    SYNOD    AGAINST    FREEMASONS.  107 

kiss  the  holy  gospels ;  and  not  only  so,  but  every  private 
society,  every  court  of  justice  have  forms  of  administer 
ing  oaths  peculiar  to  themselves.     Shall  riot,  then,  the 
society  of  Freemasons  be  allowed  that  privilege,  without 
the  imputation  of  superstition  and  idolatry?33 

The  matter  of  the  oath  comes  next  under  considera- 
tion. The  Freemasons  pretend  to  take  some  of  their 
secrets  from  the  Bible  ;  a  grievous  accusation,  truly ! 
"Jack,"  in  the  Tale  of  a  Tub,  "  could  work  his  father's 
will  into  any  shape  he  pleased  ;  so  that  it  served  him  for 
a  night-cap  when  he  went  to  bed,  or  an  umbrella,  in 
rainy  weather.  He  would  lap  a  piece  of  it  about  a  sore 
toe;  or,  when  he  had  fits,  burn  two  inches  under  his 
nose;  or,  if  anything  lay  heavy  on  his  stomach,  scrape 
off  and  swallow  as  much  of  the  powder  as  would  lie  on 
a  silver  penny — they  all  were  infallible  remedies."  But 
it  seems  Knocking  Jack  of  the  North34  will  not  have  all 


33  There  is  a  remarkable  passage  in  Prov.  xi.  21,  thus  rendered  by  our 
translators — "  Though  hand  join  in  hand,  the  wicked  shall  not  go  unpun- 
ished; but  the  seed  of  the  righteous  shall  be  delivered;"  i.  e.,  though  they 
make  many  associations,  and  oaths,  and  join  hands  among  themselves,  yet 
they  shall  be  punished.     But  Michaelis  proposes  another  sense  of  these 
words,  hand  in  hand,  my  hand  in  your  hand,  i.  e.,  as  a  token  of  swearing 
— the  wicked  shall  not  go  unpunished.    How  far  this  sense  of  the  passage 
is  illustrated  by  the  following  extract  from  Bruce.  (Travels,  vol,  i.,  p.  199), 
the  reader  will  judge  : — "  I  cannot  here  help  accusing  myself  of  what, 
doubtless,  may  be  well  reputed  a  very  great  sin.    I  was  so  enraged  at 
the  traitorous  part  which  Hassan  had  acted,  that  at  parting  I  could  not 
help  saying  to  Ibrahim, '  Now,  Shekh,  I  have  done  everything  you  have 
desired,  without  ever  expecting  fee  or  reward ;  the  only  thing  I  now  ask 
you,  and  it  is  probably  the  last,  is,  that  you  avenge  me  upon  this  Hassan, 
who  is  every  day  in  your  power.'     Upon  this,  HE  GAVE  ME  HIS  HAND, 
saying, '  He  shall  not  die  in  his  bed,  or  I  shall  never  see  old  age.' " — 
(Taylor's  Calmet,  in  v.  Oath.) 

34  John  Knox,  the  Scottish  reformer,  is  here  indicated.    The  passage 
alluded  to  is  as  follows  : — "  And  now  the  little  boys  in  the  streets  began 
to  salute  him  with  several  names.     Sometimes  they  would  call  him  Jack 
the  Bald  ;  sometimes,  Jack  with  a  Lantern  ;  sometimes,  Dutch  Jack ; 
sometimes,  French  Hugh  ;  sometimes,  Tom  the  Beggar  ;  and  sometimes, 
Knocking  Jack  of  the  North."  (Tale  of  a  Tub,  s.  vi.)     The  character  of 
Knox  is  thus  drawn  by  Dr.  Robertson  : — "  Zeal,  intrepidity,  disinterested 
ness,  were  virtues  that  he  possessed  in  an  eminent  degree.     He  was  ac- 
quainted with  the  learning  of  the  age,  and  excelled  in  that  species  of 
eloquence  which  is  calculated  to  rouse  and  to  inflame.     His  maxims, 
however,  were  often  too  severe,  and  the  impetuosity  of  his  temper  exces- 
sive.    Rigid  and  uncomplying,  he  showed  no  indulgence  to  the  infirmities 
of  others.    Regardless  of  the  distinctions  of  rank  and  character,  he  uttered 
his  admonitions  with  an  acrimony  and  vehemence  more  apt  to  irritate 


108  AN    EXAMINATION    OF    THE    ACT    OF    THE 

these  pearls  to  be  cast  before  swine,  and  reserves  them 
only  for  his  special  favourites.  What  magical  virtue 
there  can  be  in  the  sacred  passage  mentioned  in  the  act,35 
the  world  will  be  at  a  loss  to  discover;  and  the  holy 
brethren,  so  well  versed  in  the  mysteries,  are  the  most 
proper  to  explain. 

But  there  are  other  things  which  are  ground  of  scruple 
in  the  manner  of  swearing  of  the  said  oath.  This  the 
synod  have  not  thought  fit  to  mention  ;  but  their  pub- 
lisher has  supplied  the  defect,  by  a  reference  to  a  Mason's 
confession  of  the  oath,  word,  and  other  secrets  of  his 
craft  i36  which,  indeed,  contains  variety  of  matters  insig- 
nificant and  ridiculous  in  themselves,  and  only  fit  for  the 
amusement  of  such  persons  as  the  ignorance  and  incohe- 
rence of  the  author  display  him  to  be.37 

The  Freemason  does  riot  think  himself  at  all  concerned 
to  defend  and  support  whatever  nonsense  shall  be  father- 
ed upon  the  craft  by  the  ignorant  and  malevolent.  The 
honour  of  the  fraternity  is  not  in  the  least  tarnished 
by  it. 

The  whole  narrative,  particularly  the  method  of  dis- 
covering a  Mason,  the  prentice's  shirt,  and  the  Monday's 
lesson,  cannot  fail  to  move  laughter,  even  in  gravity 
itself.38  But  absurd  and  ridiculous  as  the  whole  of  this 
matter  must  appear,  a  passion  of  another  nature  is  there- 
by excited,  which  respects  the  discoverer  himself;  and 

than  to  reclaim;  and  this  often  betrayed  him  into  indecent  expressions, 
with  respect  even  to  the  greatest  personage  in  the  kingdom." 

36  1  Kings,  vii.  21.  3e  Vide  Scots'  Mag.  1755,  p.  133. 

37  The  Quakers  and  Moravians,  taking  the  text  in  Matt.  v.  34  literally, 
"  swear  not  at  all,"  refuse  their  evidence  on  oath  even  in  a  court  of  jus- 
tice ;  and  these  scruples  arise  from  a  defective  method  of  distinguishing 
between  the  use  and  abuse  of  swearing.     It  is  blasphemy  to  use  the  name 
of  God  in  common  conversation  ;  but  it  is  perfectly  lawful  to  call  upon 
Him  solemnly  to  witness  important  truths.     If  it  be  lawful  to  ask  Him 
for  our  daily  bread,  it  is  equally  lawful  reverently  to  invoke  him  to  \\  it- 
ness  the  truth  of  our  assertions,  when  character,  property,  and  life  may 
be  at  stake  ;  and  on  other  occasions  which  embrace  the  permanent  wel- 
fare of  any  society  or  body  of  men. 

J8  This  is  of  a  piece  with  the  magical  head  mentioned  by  Barruel,  as 
being  the  deity  of  the  Templars,  and  which  is  to  be  found  again  in  the 
magic  mirror  of  the  cabalistic  Masons.  They  call  it  the  being  of  beings, 
and  reverence  it  under  the  title  of  SUM.  It  represents,  in  their  code,  the 
great  Jehovah  ;  and,  in  the  opinion  of  Barruel,  is  one  of  the  links  which 
form  the  chain  of  connection  between  Masonry  and  the  Templars.  A 
most  bigotted  conclusion,  worthy  of  the  credulous  Abb£. 


ASSOCIATE    SYNOD    AGAINST    P^REEMASONS.  109 

that  is  an  honest  indignation  of  the  perjury  he  has  com- 
mitted. For,  if  this  person,  scrupulously  conscientious 
as  he  is  represented,  was  actually  under  the  oath  he  pre- 
tends, however  trifling  and  insignificant  the  thing  itself 
might  be,  yet,  in  the  opinion  of  the  most  eminent  casuists, 
he  was  obliged  to  keep  his  oath  ;39  the  respect  due  to 
truth  and  falsehood  being  the  same  in  trivial  matters  as 
in  those  of  greater  importance  ;  otherwise  God  must  be 
invoked  as  witness  to  a  lie.40 

But,  if  ignorance  or  imbecility,  deluded  by  hypocriti- 
cal sanctity,  or  head-strong  zeal,  can  afford  any  allevia- 
tion (for  an  absolute  acquittance  it  cannot),  the  charge 
must  fall  with  redoubled  weight  upon  those  who  induced 
him,  and  would  induce  others,  over  whom  this  influence 
extends,  to  put  such  an  affront  upon  the  honour  of  God, 
and  to  habituate  themselves  to  the  practice  of  insincerity 
arid  injustice  towards  man.  Is  not  this  to  adopt  the 
practices  and  opinions  of  their  religious  predecessors  in 
hypocrisy,  sedition,  and  rebellion  ?  who  held  that 

"  Oaths  were  not  purpos'd,  more  than  law, 
To  keep  the  good  and  just  in  awe  ; 
Bat  to  confine  the  bad  and  sinful, 
Like  moral  cattle,  in  a  pinfold." — HUDIBRAS. 

The  natural  curiosity  of  mankind,  always  eager  and 
impetuous  in  the  pursuit  of  knowledge,  when  disap- 
pointed of  a  rational  account  of  things,  is  apt  to  rest 
upon  conjecture,  and  often  embraces  a  cloud  in  place  of 
the  goddess  of  truth.  So  has  it  fared  with  the  secret  of 
Masonry.  That  society,  though  venerable  for  its  anti- 
quity, and  respectable  for  its  good  behaviour,  has,  through 
falsehood  and  misrepresentation,  groundlessly  awakened 
the  jealousy  of  states,  and  the  obloquy  of  malicious 

39  The  antimasons  of  America  condemned  the  fraternity  for  refusing  to 
disclose  their  secrets,  even  under  a  civil  oath.     Thus  Mr.  Sprague,  one 
of  the  legislative  committee,  put  this  question,  in   his  examination  of  a 
Brother  : — "  When  you  enter  or  leave  a  lodge  or  chapter,  do  you  make 
any  sign  or  motion  ?     If  so,  to  what  does  it  allude  ?     Is  it  intended  to 
impress  upon  the  mind  the  penalty  of  that  degree?"     "  Would  you  think 
it,"  exclaims  the  antimasonic  commentator,  "  every  Mason,  though  sworn 
to  tell  the  whole  truth,  refused  plumply  to  answer  this  question.     Their 
uniform  reply  was  : — '  I  do  not  intend  to  answer  anything  in  reference  to 
the  secrets  and  ceremonies  of  Masonry.'  " 

40  Saunderson,  de  obi.  jur.  prsel.  iii.  sect.  15. 


110      AN  EXAMINATION  OF  THE  ACT  OF  THE 

tongues.41  Their  silence  and  secrecy,  as  they  gave  aj£- 
ple  room  for  the  most  extravagant  conjectures,  so  they 
likewise  afforded  an  opportunity  for  the  grossest  imputa- 
tions, without  fear  of  a  refutation.  They  have  been 
traduced  as  atheists  and  blasphemers,  branded  as  idola- 
ters, and  ridiculed  as  the  dupes  of  nonsense.42  The  hard 
names  liberally  bestowed  on  their  secrets  by  the  seceders, 
partake  of  all  these  j43  but  their  proof  relates  only  to  the 


41  It  is  wonderful  how  far  misrepresentation  has  been  carried  during 
the  unholy  persecutions  of  Masonry.     Even  Col.  Stone  is  willing  to  ad- 
mit this.    He  says  : — "  I  have  been  astonished,  since  I  began  this  investi- 
gation, to  find  that  Elder  Barnard  has  affirmed  this  misrepresentation. 
His  words  are  : — '  The  reader  will  here  learn  one  reason  why  those  who 
enter  a  lodge  never  come  out  until  they  have  taken  a  degree.    Tin.1  i-an- 
didate  is  made  to  promise  upon  his  honour  that  he  will  conform  to  all  the 
ancient  established  usages  and  customs  of  the  fraternity  ;  hence,  let  him 
be  ever  so  much  opposed  to  the  ceremonies  of  initiation,  or  the  oath  of 
the  degree,  he  cannot  go  back  ;  for  he  feels  bound  by  his  promise.    Should 
he,  however,  feel  constrained  to  violate  his  word,  the  persuasions,  and,  if 
necessary,  the  threats  of  the  Master  and  Brethren  compel  him  to  go  for- 
ward!' (Barnard's  Light,  p.  17.)     There  is  not,"  continues  Stone,  "so 
far  as  I  have  any  knowledge  of  the  usages  of  Masonry,  a  single  syllable 
of  truth  in  the  passage  I  have  here  quoted.     Nor  do  any  of  my  masonic 
acquaintances  hesitate  to  declare  their  utter  and  entire  ignorance  of 
even  a  single  instance  wherein  any  such  constraint  was  ever  practised,  or 
even  thought  of.     On  the  contrary,  throughout  the  whole  system,  from 
the  lowest  to  the  highest  degree,  every  step  is  the  result  of  the  most 
entire  freedom  of  thought  and  action."  (Letter  on  Masonry,  p.  69.) 

42  If  the  cowans  of  those  days  had  possessed  the  advantage  of  hearing 
masonic  addresses,  from  the  highest  quarters  of  honour  and  intelligence, 
which  happily  distinguish  our  own  times,  they  would  surely  have  displayed 
less  hostility  to  the  institution,  and  entertained  a  higher  opinion  of  its 
virtues.     His  Royal  Highness,  the  late  Grand  Master,  on  the  occasion 
of  presenting  a  masonic  jewel  to  the  Earl  of  Moira,  thus  described  it  : — 
"  Masonry,"  said  the  royal  speaker,  "  is  one  of  the  most  sublime  and  per- 
fect institutions  that  ever  was  formed  for  the  advancement  of  happiness 
and  general  good  to  mankind,  creating  in  all  its  varieties  universal  bene- 
volence and  brotherly  love.     It  holds  out  allurements  so  captivating,  as 
to  inspire  the  fraternity  with  emulation  to  deeds  of  glory,  such  as  must 
command,  throughout  the  world,  "veneration  and  applause,  and  such  as 
must  entitle  those  who  perform  them  to  dignity  and  respect.     It  teaches 
us  those  useful,  wise,  and  instructive  doctrines  upon  which  alone  true 
happiness  is  founded,  and,  at  the  same  time,  affords  those  easy  paths  by 
which  we  attain  the  rewards  of  virtue  ;  it  teaches  us  the  duties  which  we 
owe  to  our  neighbour,  never  to  injure  him  in  any  one  situation,  but  to 
conduct  ourselves  with  justice  and  impartiality  ;  it  bids  us  not  to  divulge 
the  mystery  to  the  public,  and  it  orders  us  to  be  true  to  our  trust,  to  be 
above  all  meanness  and  dissimulation,  and  in  all  our  avocations  to  per- 
form religiously  that  which  we  ought  to  do." 

«  Vide  Scots'  Magazine,  1755,  p.  137. 


ASSOCIATE    SYNOD    AGAINST    FREEMASONS.  Ill 

last;  and,  indeed,  it  seems  rather  like  the  delirious  rav- 
ings of  a  brain-sick  head,  inflamed  with  the  fumes  of 
enthusiasm,  than  a  rational  design  to  expose  them.  Its 
publication  is  an  affront  upon  the  judgment  of  the  world, 
no  less  than  inserting  it  in  the  Scots'  Magazine,  is  an 
impeachment  upon  the  taste  of  the  readers  of  that  col- 
lection. 

To  remove  such  prejudices,  arid  in  some  degree  to  sat- 
isfy the  world  and  inquisitive  cavillers,  Masons  have 
descended  to  publish  what  opinions  they  maintained 
with  respect  to  the  great  principles  of  human  action. 
Their  belief  in  God  is  founded  upon  the  justest  notion 
of  his  being  and  attributes,  drawn  from  the  light  of  na- 
ture assisted  by  revelation.44  They  never  enter  into  the 
speculative  regions,45  so  much  cultivated  by  divines ; 
what  cannot  be  comprehended  in  his  nature,  they  leave 
as  incomprehensible.  They  adore  his  infinite  Being,  and 

44  Some  writers,  in  the  lace  of  the  plainest  indications  of  Christian 
types  in  Freemasonry,  will  still  contend  that  the  Order  is  at  variance 
with  our  religious  duties.  The  Rev.  H.  Jones,  a  well  meaning,  but  ex- 
ceedingly weak  person,  says  that,  "  the  institution  of  Freemasonry  should 
be  discountenanced,  because  some  of  its  principles  are  at  variance  with 
the  gospel  of  Christ — One  thing  which  very  evidently  clashes  with  the 
gospel  is  this,  that  while  the  latter  requires  us  to  do  good  to  all  men, 
especially  unto  them  who  are  of  the  household  of  faith  ;  but  Masonry  re- 
quires of  its  members  to  do  good,  especially  to  the  masonic  fraternity, 
whether  they  do  or  do  not  belong  to  the  household  of  faith ! !  And  what 
else  can  it  be  but  a  perversion  or  profanation  of  the  scriptures,  to  use  so 
frequently  the  words  of  Christ,  as  they  are  used  in  reference  to  the  door 
of  the  lodge-room — '  Ask  and  ye  shall  receive ;  seek  and  ye  shall  find"; 
knock  and  it  shall  be  opened  unto  you.'  "  (Jones'  Letters  on  Masonry, 
pp.  11,  12.)  Brother  Jones!  Brother  Jones!  thou  art  a  most  accom- 
plished logician ! 

46  Namely,  of  religion  and  politics.  The  evil  of  introducing  politics 
into  Freemasonry,  has  been  recently  felt  in  the  New  World,  where  a 
political  party,  professedly  antimasonic,  raged  for  a  few  brief  years,  like 
a  hurricane,  and  threatened  to  bear  down  all  before  it.  It  was  a  political 
party,  sui  generis.  There  was  none  ever  before  like  unto  it.  Nor  will 
its  likeness,  probably,  be  found  in  any  political  party  to  arise  hereafter. 
The  progress  it  made  was  astonishingly  rapid,  and  in  its  strides  it  out- 
stripped the  calculations  of  its  friends.  Its  influence  was  potent  at  elec- 
tions, it  drew  into  its  ranks  one  hundred  thousand  electors  in  the  State 
of  New  York  ;  it  almost  divided  the  votes  of  Pennsylvania  ;  it  planted 
itself  deeply  in  the  soil  of  Massachusetts,  in  the  New  England  States, 
and  elsewhere  ;  while  in  Vermont,  like  the  rod  of  Aaron,  it  so  far  swal- 
lowed up  all  other  parties,  and  obtained  the  control  of  the  State  govern- 
ment. Behold  how  great  a  matter  a  little  fire  kindleth.  And  yet  it 
sunk  as  rapidly  as  it  had  risen,  and  now  its  influence  is  totally  forgotten. 


112  AN    EXAMINATION    OF    THE    ACT    OF    THE 

reckon  it  the  perfection  of  mankind  to  imitate  his  com- 
municable perfections.  Their  duty  to  their  superiors,  to 
their  neighbours,  and  to  themselves,  are  all  expressed  in 
a  manner  the  most  agreeable  to  the  soundest  morality.— 
And  when  their  actions  and  behaviour,  which  alone  are 
subject  to  human  observation,  arid  affect  human  society, 
are  conformable  to  such  principles,  no  power  on  earth 
has  a  right  to  inquire  farther.46 

The  Freemason  professes  a  particular  regard  to  tlw 
liberal  arts,  and  he  makes  no  scruple  to  own,  that  many 
of  his  secrets  have  a  reference  to  them.  From  these, 
just  notions  of  order  and  proportion  are  obtained,  and  a 
true  taste  of  symmetry  and  beauty  is  formed.47 — And  as 
the  transition  from  the  beauties  of  the  natural  to  those 
of  the  moral  species  are  so  easy  and  apparent ;  if  there 
is  any  virtue,  if  there  is  any  praise,  instead  of  slander 
and  defamation,  protection  and  encouragement  ought  to 
be  his  reward. 

Men  of  t.lir  greatest  power  and  dignity,  the  divine  and 
the  philosopher,  have  not  been  ashamed,  in  all  ages,  to 
own  their  relation  to  this  society,  and  to  encourage  and 
protect  it  by  their  power  and  influence.  But,  should 
this  combination  terminate  in  nothing  but  wickedness 

46  At  the  reunion  of  the  two  Grand  Lodges  iu  1813,  His  Royal  High- 
ness the  Duke  of  Kent  embodied  these  principles  iu  a  proposition — "  That 
an   humble  address  be  presented  to  His  Royal   Highness   the   Prince 
Regent,  respectfully  to  acquaint  him  with  the  happy  event  of  the  reunion 
of  the  two  Grand  Lodges  of  Ancient  Freemasons  of  England — an  event 
which  cannot  fail  to  afford  a  lively  satisfaction  to  their  illustrious  patron, 
who  presided  for  so  many  years  over  one  of  the  fraternities,  ana  under 
whose  auspices  Freemasonry  has  risen  to  its  present  flourishing  condition. 
That  the  unchangeable  principles  of  the  institution  are  well  known  to  His 
Royal  Highness,  and  the  great  benefits  and  end  of  this  reunion  are  to 
promote  the  influence  and  operation  of  these  principles,  by  more  exten- 
sively inculcating  loyalty  and  affection  to  the  sovereign,  obedience  to  the 
laws  and  magistrates  of  their  country,  and  the  practice  of  all  the  religious 
and  moral  duties  of  life." 

47  How  many  associations,  professedly  designed  to  benefit  our  species, 
have  come  into  being  and  wasted  away  since  the  origin  of  Masonry.  How 
many  have  been  instituted  with  one  set  of  principles,  and  one  of  more 
objects  of  fair  promise,  and  afterwards  so  modified  the  one  and  varied  the 
other  as  to  change  the  whole  ground  on  which  they  first  stood,  lose  their 
moral  character,  and   finally  perish  in  their  own  corruption.     Freema- 
sonry, however,  is  eternal  in  its  nature,  and  universal  in  its  character. 
Founded  on  charity  and  the  liberal  arts,  no  human  power  can  shake  it 
from  its  basis  ;  and  it  is  the  onJy  institution  in  existence  whose  landmarks 
can  never  be  altered. 


ASSOCIATE    SYNOD    AGAIXST    FREEMASONS.  113 

and  folly,  can  it  be  imagined,  either  that  men  of  honour, 
wisdom,  and  integrity,  would  lend  their  countenance  to 
fraud,  and  encourage  folly,  merely  to  make  the  world 
stare  ?  or  that  an  association,  resting  on  so  unstable  a 
foundation,  could  so  long  have  subsisted,  without  the 
cement  of  mutual  trust  and  confidence,  which  result 
from  virtue  and  consistency  alone.48 

The  Freemason,  conscious  of  his  integrity,  and  per- 
suaded of  the  goo^  tendency  of  his  principles  to  pro- 
mote the  purposes  of  virtue  and  human  happiness,  be- 
holds with  contempt  the  impotent  efforts  of  envy  and 
ignorance,  however  sanctified  the  garb,  or  dignified  tne 
title  they  may  assume.49  In  his  lodge,  which  he  consi- 
ders as  the  school  of  justice,  love,  and  benevolence,  he 
is  taught  to  oppose  truth  to  misrepresentation,  good 
humour  and  innocent  mirth  to  sourness  and  grimace — 
the  certain  signs  of  malice  and  imposture.  To  attend 
the  importunate  calls  of  his  enemies,  would  be  to  inter- 
rupt his  tranquillity;  and,  therefore,  wrapt  in  his  own 
innocence,  he  despises  their  impotent  attacks,  and  for 
the  future  will  disdain  to  enter  the  lists  with  champions 
so  weak  and  ignorant,  so  deluded  and  deluding. 

45  Bro.  Russell,  Past  Grand  Master  of  Massachusetts,  very  justly  ob- 
serves that  "  the  masonic  institution  has  been  and  now  is  the  same  in  all 
and  every  place.     No  deviation  ever  has  been  made  or  can  be  made  at 
any  time  from  its  usages,  rules,  and  regulations.     Such  is  its  nature,  that 
no  innovation  on  its  customs  can  be  introduced  or  sanctioned  by  any 
person,  how  great  soever  may  be  his  authority.     Its  ancient  rules,  usages, 
and  customs,  have  been  handed  down,  and  carefully  preserved  from  the 
knowledge  of  the  world,  by  the  members  of  the  craft,  who  are  solemnly 
bound  to  observe  and  obey  them,  although  many  of  them  have  never 
been  written  or  printed." 

46  When  will  Ephraim  cease  to  vex  Judah,  and,  under  the  benign  in- 
fluences of  the  gospel  of  peace,  brotherly  love,  such  as  is  recommended  by 
the  Saviour  and  his  apostles,  pervade  the  hearts  of  the  children  of  men  ? 
When  shall  the  desire  to  secure  virtue  and  happiness  to  each  other  absorb 
every  other  desire,  and  inspire  every  act  to  produce  such  a  glorious 
result  ?     This,  however,  we  may  say  of  Masonry,  and  its  bitterest  enemies 
cannot  deny  the  fact,  that  although  it  has  been  persecuted  by  bigotry  in 
all  ages  of  its  existence,  it  never  had  the  character  of  a  persecutor ;  which 
speaks  volumes  in  favour  of  the  purity  of  its  principles,  and  the  correct- 
%'3ss  oi  its  doctrine  and  discipline. 


CHAPTER    Iv. 

ACCOUNT    OF    THE     SUFFERINGS    OF    JOHN    COU8TOS    19 
THE    INQUISITION    AT    LISBON. 

WRITTEN    BY    HIMSKLP. 


-with  a  frown 


Revenge  impatient  rose; 
He  threw  his  blood-stained  sword  in  thunder  down, 

And,  with  a  withering  look, 

The  war-denouncing  trumpet  took, 
And  blew  a  blast  so  loud  and  dread, 
Were  ne'er  prophetic  sounds  so  full  of  woe. 

And  ever  and  anon  he  beat 

The  doubling  drum  with  furious  heat ; 
And  though  sometimes,  each  dreary  pause  between, 

Dejected  Pity  at  his  side 

Her  soul-subduing  voice  applied, 
Yet  still  he  kept  his  wild,  unaltered  mien, 
While  each  strain'd  ball  of  sight  seemed  bursting 

from  his  head.  COLLINS. 

I  CAN  justly  affirm  that  it  was  not  vanity  that  induced 
me  to  publish  the  following  accurate  and  faithful  rela- 
tion of  my  sufferings  in  the  Inquisition  of  Lisbon.1  A 

1  The  origin  of  the  Inquisition  is  thus  related  by  Floury,  in  his  Kccic- 
siastical  History  : — "In  1198,  Pope  Innocent  III.  sent  into  the  southern 
provinces  of  France  two  Cistertian  monks  to  convert  the  Manicbeans, 
with  which  those  parts  swarmed ;  to  excommunicate  the  obstinate,  and 
to  command  the  lords  to  confiscate  the  possessions  of  the  excommunicated, 
to  banish  them,  and  punish  them  with  severity  ;  with  power  to  excommu- 
nicate the  lords,  and  put  their  lands  under  sequestration,  if  they  refused 
obedience  to  the  mandate.  These  commissioners  were  afterwards  called 
Inquisitors.  The  Dominicans  subsequently  received  an  ordinance  of 
thirty-seven  articles,  which  formed  the  basis  of  the  rules  afterwards 
observed  in  the  tribunals  of  the  Inquisition.  Some  imagine  that  this 
tribunal  originated  in  a  constitution  made  by  the  Pope  Lucius  in  1184 , 
because  he  commands  the  bishops  to  examine  personally,  or  by  commis- 
sioners, people  suspected  of  heresy ;  distinguishing  the  various  degrees 


SUFFERINGS    OF    COUSTOS.  115 

strong  desire  to  justify  myself  with  regard  to  the  false 
accusations  brought  by  that  tribunal  against  me,  as  well 
as  against  the  Brotherhood  of  Freemasons,  of  which  I 
have  the  honour  to  be  a  member,  were  the  chief  motives 
for  my  taking  up  the  pen.  To  this  I  will  add,  that  I 
was  very  willing  the  whole  world  should  receive  all  the 
lights  and  informations  I  was  capable  of  giving  it  con- 
cerning the  shocking  injustice,  and  the  horrid  cruelties, 
exercised  in  the  pretended  holy  office.  Persons,  who  live 
in  countries  where  this  tribunal  is  had  in  abomination, 
will,  from  the  perusal  of  the  following  sheets,  have 
fresh  cause  to  bless  Providence  for  not  fixing  their  abode 
among  the  Spaniards,  the  Portuguese,  or  the  Italians. 

Such  of  my  readers  as  may  happen  to  go  and  reside  in 
countries  where  this  barbarous  tribunal  is  established, 
will  here  find  very  salutary  instructions  for  their  con- 
duct ;  and,  consequently,  be  less  liable  to  fall  into  the 
hands  of  the  unrelenting  Inquisitors. 

Those  who,  spite  of  all  the  precautions  taken  by  them, 
may  yet  have  the  sad  misfortune  to  become  their  inno- 
cent victims,  will  here  be  taught  to  avoid  the  snares  laid 
in  order  to  aggravate  the  charge  brought  against  them.2 
These  snares  ought  the  more  to  be  guarded  against,  as 
they  are  but  too  often  spread  by  the  inquisitors  merely 
to  give  a  specious  air  of  justice  and  equity  to  their  ini- 
quitous prosecutions. 

For  this  reason,  I  shall  first  give  an  impartial  relation 

of  guilt,  and  allotting  to  each  its  proper  punishment.  And  he  also 
directs  that  after  the  church  has  employed  its  spiritual  weapons,  it  shall 
deliver  criminals  to  the  secular  arm,  that  corporal  punishment  may  be 
inflicted  on  them,  experience  having  shown,"  says  my  authority,  "  that  the 
heretics  of  this  age  care  very  little  for  either  ecclesiastical  censures  or 
spiritual  punishments." 

2  The  manner  of  prosecuting  a  person  impeached  is  this  :  First,  he  is 
summoned,  three  several  times,  to  appear  before  the  inquisitors ;  and  if, 
through  fear  or  contempt,  he  neglect  to  do  this,  he  is  excommunicated, 
and  sentenced  to  pay  a  considerable  fine ;  after  which,  if  he  should  be 
apprehended,  a  more  severe  sentence  would  inevitably  be  passed  upon  him. 
The  safest  course,  therefore,  is  to  obey  the  first  summons.  The  longer  he 
delays,  the  more  criminal  he  appears  in  the  estimation  of  the  inquisitors, 
even  though  he  should  be  innocent  of  the  charge  preferred  against  him  ; 
for  it  is  considered  a  crime  of  no  common  order  to  disobey  the  command 
of  the  inquisitors.  And,  if  they  ultimately  seize  a  person  who  has  crimi- 
nated himself  by  delay,  nothing  can  save  him  from  the  most  rigorous 
punishment.  An  inquisitor  never  forgets ;  time  cannot  obliterate  any 
crime  ;  and  prescription  is  entirely  unknown  to  the  holy  office. 
6 


116  SUFFERINGS    OF    COUSTOS 

of  my  own  prosecution  and  sufferings  on  account  of  mv 
being  a  Freemason.  I  shall  add,  for  the  satisfaction  of 
the  curious,  a  succinct  history  of  the  pretended  holy 
office  ;  its  origin  ;  its  establishment  in  France,3  Italy,4 
Spain,  arid  Portugal ;  the  manner  how  it  grasped,  by 
insensible  degrees,5  the  supreme  authority  now  exercised 

3  Dueange  tells  us  that  the  Inquisition  was  established  in  France,  by 
the  council  of  Toulouse,  to  punish  the  Waldenses,  and  the  inquisitors 
were  chosen  from  amongst  the  Dominicans.     It  is  true  the  tribunal  of  the 
Inquisition  was  never  legally  settled  in  that  country,  yet  inquisitors  were 
delegated  by  the  pope,  under  the  pretext  of  preserving  purity  of  doctrine, 
and  obedience  to  the  church.     Pope  Gregory  IX.  appointed  a  commis- 
sion to  exercise  the  inquisitorial  functions  in  several  convents  throughout 
the  kingdom. 

4  The  Inquisition  of  Rome  is  composed  of  twelve  cardinals,  and  some 
oiher  officers ;  over  which  the  pope  presides  in  person.     These  cardinals 
assume  to  themselves  the  title  of  inquisitors  General  throughout  the 
Christian  world  ;  but  they  have  no  jurisdiction  in  France,  and  some  other 
Roman  Catholic  countries.    They  are  empowered  to  deprive  or  remove 
all  inferior  inquisitors.     Popes  Innocent,  Alexander,  Urban,  Clement, 
and  their  successors,  used  their  most  endeavours,  but  to  no  purpose,  to 
prevail  with  the  Venetians  to  follow  the  example  of  the  other  states  of 
Italy  in  this  particular.     The  conduct  of  the  Inquisitors  was  adduced  by 
the  republic  of  Venice  as  a  reason  for  refusing  admission  to  that  tribunal 
into  its  territories ;  for  they  were  guilty  of  great  disorders,  preached 
seditious  sermons,  and,  upon  any  caprice,  published  crusades  against  the 
heretics,  and  appeared  to  be  more  disposed  to  revenge  themselves  upon 
any  who  had  affronted  them  than  to  promote  the  purity  of  religious  truth. 
They  seized  the  possessions  of  innocent  persons,  upon  the  false  pretence 
of  their  being  heretics ;  so  that  nothing  was  heard  all  over  Italy  but 
loud  complaints  against  the  inquisitors.     The  Senate  of  Venice,  who 
understood  their  interest  as  well  as  any  body  *>f  men  in  the  world,  took 
advantage  of  these  disorders  to  justify  their  refusal  of  this  tribunal. 
However,  Pope  Nicholas  IV.  being  noways  disheartened  at  the  fruitless 
attempts  of  his  predecessors,  renewed  them  with  so  much  address,  that 
the  senate  were  persuaded  that  if  they  continued  their  opposition,  they 
would  be  forced  to  admit  an  Inquisition  dependant  on  that  of  Rome  ;  to 
prevent  which,  they  established  one  by  their  authority,  composed  of  both 
ecclesiastical  and  lay  judges.     This  Inquisition  had  its  own  laws,  which 
were  less  rigorous  than  those  of  other  nations ;  and  the  utmost  precau- 
tions were  taken  to  prevent  the  disorders  which  had  disgraced  the  tribu- 
nal in  all  other  places. 

6  A  remarkable  instance  of  the  assuming  spirit  of  this  tribunal  occurred 
in  the  year  1580.  The  Archbishop  of  Milan,  going  on  his  visitation  of 
certain  places  in  his  diocese,  which,  although  subordinate  to  him  in  his 
spiritual  capacity,  were  under  the  subjection  of  the  Swiss  cantons  in 
other  respects,  thought  it  necessary  to  make  some  new  regulations  for  the 
government  of  these  churches.  The  Swiss  took  umbrage  at  this  conduct, 
and  sent  an  ambassador  to  the  Governor  of  Milan,  intreating  him  not  to 
allow  the  prelate  to  continue  his  visitations  in  any  places  which  were 
under  their  jurisdiction  :  insuring  him,  at  the  same  time,  that  if  he  should 


IN    THE    INQUISITION.  117 

by  it,  not  only  against  those  considered  by  it  as  heretics, 
but  even  against  Roman  Catholics  ;  how  prisoners  are 
proceeded  against  ;  the  tortures  inflicted  on  them,  in 
order  to  extort  a  confession  ;  the  execution  of  persons 
sentenced  to  die  ;  with  an  accurate  description  of  the 
aufo-da-fc,  or  gaol  delivery,  as  we  may  term  it  ;6  together 

persist  in  this  obnoxious  practice,  they  would  expel  him  by  force,  which 
would  necessarily  destroy  the  harmony  which  it  was  the  interest  of  the 
King  of  Spain  to  preserve.  The  ambassador  having  arrived  at  Milan, 
lodged  at  the  house  of  a  rich  merchant  of  his  acquaintance.  The  inqui- 
sitor was  no  sooner  informed  of  this,  than,  disregarding  the  law  of  nations, 
he  sent  his  officials  to  seize  the  ambassador,  and  deposit  him  in  the  dun- 
geons of  the  Inquisition.  Such  an  insult  offered  to  a  state  in  the  person 
of  its  ambassador,  was  unprecedented  ;  but  no  one  dared  to  complain.  The 
merchant,  however,  interested  himself  in  favour  of  his  friend,  and  informed 
the  Governor  of  Milan  of  the  cruel  usage  which  the  ambassador  had 
received.  The  governor  was  alarmed  at  such  a  flagrant  violation  of  the 
rights  of  nations,  and  commanded  the  inquisitor  to  set  the  ambassador 
at  liberty  without  the  slightest  delay ;  and,  to  atone  for  the  injury  he  had 
received,  he  paid  him  all  imaginable  honours,  and  complied  with  several 
demands,  and  particularly  that  the  archbishop  should  discontinue  his 
visitations. 

6  The  learned  Dr.  Geddes  thus  describes  an  auto-da-fe  in  Lisbon,  of 
which  he  himself  was  a  spectator.  The  prisoners  were  first  placed  in 
the  hands  of  the  civil  magistrate,  and  loaded  with  chains ;  and  being 
brought  before  the  lord  chief  justice,  he  asks  them  in  what  religion  they 
intend  to  die.  If  they  answer  that  they  will  die  in  communion  with  the 
Church  of  Rome,  they  have  the  privilege  of  being  first  strangled,  and 
afterwards  burnt  to  ashes.  But  if  they  die  Protestants,  they  are  burnt 
alive.  At  the  place  of  execution  there  is  a  stake  set  up  for  every  pri- 
soner, with  a  good  quantity  of  dry  furze  about  it,  and  a  seat  about  half 
a  yard  from  the  top.  They  ascend  the  stake  by  a  ladder,  at  the  loot  of 
which  two  Jesuits  are  placed,  who  spend  about  a  quarter  of  an  hour  in 
exhorting  the  professed  to  be  reconciled  to  the  Church  of  Home  ;  which, 
if  they  refuse  to  be,  the  Jesuits  come  down,  and  the  executioner  ascends  ; 
and  having  turned  the  professed  off  the  ladder  upon  the  seat,  and  chained 
their  bodies  close  to  the  stake,  he  leaves  them,  and  the  Jesuits  go  up  to 
them  a  second  time,  to  renew  their  exhortation  to  them,  and  at  parting- 
tell  them  that  they  leave  them  to  the  devil,  who  is  standing  at  their  elbow 
to  receive  their  souls,  and  carry  them  with  him  into  the  flames  of  hell 
fire,  so  soon  as  they  are  out  of  their  bodies.  Upon  this  a  great  shout  is 
raised  ;  and  as  soon  as  the  Jesuits  are  got  off  the  ladder,  the  cry  is.  "  Let 
the  dogs'  beards  be  made !  let  the  dogs'  beards  be  made !"  which  is  done 
by  thrusting  flaming  furzes,  fastened  to  a  long  pole,  against  their  faces. 
And  this  inhumanity  is  commonly  continued  until  their  faces  are  burnt 
to  a  coal,  and  is  always  accompanied  with  such  loud  acclamations  of  joy, 
as  are  not  to  be  heard  upon  any  other  occasion.  The  beards  of  the  pro- 
i'-ssed  being  thus  made,  or  trimmed,  as  they  term  it  in  their  diabolical 
r-j.-irt,  fire  is  applied  to  the  combustibles;  but  as  the  top  of  the  flame 
seldom  reaches  higher  than  tho  seat  they  sit  on,  they  remain  in  misery 
from  one  to  two  hours  :  so  that,  the  learned  doctor  adds,  though  out  of 


118  BUFF  K  KINGS    OF   Cx  U8TOS 

with  the  sufferings  of  many  persons  who  fell  victims  to  this 
tribunal.  I  likewise  will  add  a  plan  of  the  house  of  the 
Inquisition  at  Lisbon,  in  which  I  was  confined  sixteen 
months,  and  whence  I  was  removed  to  the  galley,  as  it  is 
called,  in  that  city.  I  will  describe  this  Portuguese  galley, 
and  the  manner  how  prisoners  are  lodged  and  treated  in 
both  those  places.7 

I  shall  conclude  with  a  comparison  between  the  me- 
thods employed  by  the  primitive  church  in  order  to  sup- 
press heresy  and  convert  heretics;  and  those  now  made 
use  of  by  the  inquisitors  (under  the  cloak  of  religion) 
indiscriminately  towards  all  mankind,  for  the  same 
purpose,  as  they  pretend.  I  shall  relate  what  1  my- 
self was  an  eye-witness  of;  and  I  will  annex  tht1  re- 
marks of  many  ill-fated  Roman  Catholics,  who.  a-  well 
as  myself,  were  the  innocent  victims  to  this  dreadful 
tribunal.8 

I  shall  think  it  a  happiness  if  the  relation  which  I 
now  offer  should  be  found  of  use  to  the  public  ;  and 
shall  consider  it  as  a  still  greater,  in  case  it  may  help  to 
open  the  eyes  of  those  who,  hurried  on  by  an  indiscreet, 
or  rather  blind  zeal,  think  it  a  meritorious  work  in  the 

held,  there  cannot  possibly  be  a  more  lamentable  spectacle — the  suffer- 
ers crying  out,  as  long  as  they  are  able  to  speak,  "  Mercy,  for  the  love 
of  God  1"  Yet  it  is  beheld  by  people  of  both  sexes,  and  all  ages,  with 
such  transports  of  joy  and  satisfaction,  as  they  do  .not  exhibit  on  any 
other  occasion. 

7  I  have  inserted  the  greater  part  of  the  information  here  mentioned, 
amongst  the  notes,  not  only  because  it  appears  necessary  to  illustrate 
the  text,  but  because,  if  placed  at  the  end  of  the  chapter,  it  would  swell 
out  this  article  beyond  the  limits  assigned  to  it  in  the  volume. 

8  An  instance  of  this  is  found  in  tin;  history  of  Mark  Antoni •>  -.> 
Dominis,  a  Venetian,  who  was  first  a  Jesuit,  afterwards  l>ish.>-  of  Segni. 
and  at  last  Archbishop  of  Spalatro.     lie  was  considered  ; 

scholar  of  his  age  ;  and  his  reading  made  him  embrace  Pi 
He  was  invited  into  England  by  James  1.,  who  made  him  ?  . 
Savoy,  and  Dean  of  Windsor.  The  Pope  was  greatly  annoyed  at  tlu> 
defection  of  this  great  and  good  man  from  the  Komish  church,  and  se; 
every  engine  at  work  to  induce  him  to  return  to  his  natve  country,  that 
he  might  have  his  revenge  ;  and,  for  this  purpose,  the  Spanish  ambas- 
sador made  him  such  splendid  offers,  that  he  was  prevailed  upon  to  re- 
turn to  Rome,  contrary  to  the  expostulations  of  all  his  English  I'lienus. 
He  had  no  sooner  arrived  in  the  papal  city,  than  he  discovered  his  mis- 
take. The  pontiff  did  not  keep  one  of  his  promises  to  this  unfortunate 
man,  but  obliged  him  publicly  to  abjure  his  heresies ;  after  which,  he 
was  seized,  and  cast  into  the  dungeons  of  the  Inquisition,  where  he  died 
of  a  broken  heart. 


IN    THE    INQUrSlTION.  J19 

sight  of  heaven  to  prosecute  all  persons  whose  religious 
principles  differ  from  theirs.9 

In  order  to  give  the  reader  all  the  proof  possible  in 
the  nature  of  the  thing,  that  I  have  really  undergone 
the  tortures  mentioned  in  the  following  account  of  my 
Bufferings,  I  showed  the  marks  still  remaining  on  my 
arms  and  legs  to  Dr.  Hoadly,  Mr.  Hawkins,  and  Mr. 
Gary,  surgeons  ;  and  I  think  myself  particularly  obliged 
to  these  gentlemen  for  the  leave  they  have  given  me  to 
assure  the  public  they  were  quite  satisfied  that  the 
marks  must  have  been  the  effect  of  very  great  violence  ; 
and  that,  in  their  situation,  they  correspond  exactly  to 
the  description  of  the  torture. 

I  am  a  native  of  Berne,  in  Switzerland,  and  a  lapidary 
by  profession.  In  1716,  my  father  came,  with  his  whole 
family,  to  London ;  and  as  he  proposed  to  settle  in  Eng- 
land, he  got  himself  naturalized  there. 

After  living  twenty-two  years  in  that  city,  I  went,  at 
the  solicitation  of  a  friend,  to  Paris,  in  order  to  work  in 
the  galleries  of  the  Louvre.  Five  years  after  I  left  this 
capital  and  removed  to  Lisbon  in  hopes  of  finding  an 
opportunity  of  going  to  Brazil,  where  I  flattered  myself 
that  I  should  make  a  fortune.  But  the  King  of  Portu- 
gal, whom  I  addressed  in  order  to  obtain  permission  for 
this  purpose,  being  informed  of  my  profession,  and  the 
skill  I  might  have  in  diamonds,  &c.,  his  majesty,  by  the 
advice  of  his  council,  refused  my  petition,  upon  the 
supposition  that  it  would  be  no  ways  proper  to  send  a 
foreigner  who  was  a  lapidary  into  a  country  abounding 
with  immense  treasures,  whose  value  the  government 
endeavours,  by  all  means  possible,  to  conceal  even  from 
the  inhabitants. 

Whilst  I  was  waiting  for  an  answer  from  court  to 
my  petition,  I  got  acquainted  with  several  substantial 

9  What  idea  ought  we  to  form  of  a  tribunal  which  obliges  children, 
under  the  most  rigorous  penalties,  to  be  spies  upon  their  parents,  and  to 
discover  to  the  merciless  inquisitors,  the  errors,  and  even  the  trifling 
indiscretions  to  which  human  frailty  is  subject — a  tribunal  which  will 
not  permit  relatives,  even  when  imprisoned  in  its  horrid  dungeons,- to 
render  each  other  the  most  trifling  assistance  ?  What  disorders  must 
such  conduct  produce  in  the  bosom  of  a  family !  An  expression,  how- 
ever true,  however  innocent,  may  be  the  occasion  not  only  of  infinite 
uneasiness  and  discord,  but  of  utter  ruin ;  and  may  cause  ono  or  more  of 
its  members  to  be  the  victims  of  this  barbarois  tribunal. 


120  SUFFERINGS    OF    COUSTOS 

jewellers,  and  other  persons  of  credit  in  Lisbon,  who 
made  me  the  kindest  and  most  generous  offers,  in  cjisr  I 
would  reside  among  them,  which  I  accepted,  after  having 
lost  all  hopes  of  going  to  Brazil.  I  now  was  settled  in 
the  above-mentioned  city,  equally  to  the  satisfaction  of 
my  friends,  my  employers,  and  myself;  having  a  prospect 
of  gaining  wherewithal  not  only  to  support  my  family 
with  decency,  but  also  to  lay  up  a  competency  for  old 
age,  could  I  but  have  escaped  the  cruel  hands  of  the  in- 
quisitors. 

I  must  observe,  by  the  way,  that  the  inquisitors  have 
usurped  so  formidable  a  power  in  Spain  and  Portugal,10 
that  the  monarchs  of  those  kingdoms  are  no  more,  if  I 
may  be  allowed  the  expression,  than  as  their  chief  sub- 
jects. Those  tyrants  do  not  scruple  to  encroach  so  far 
on  the  privilege  of  kings,  as  to  stop,  by  their  own  autho- 
rity, at  the  post  office,  the  letters  of  all  whom  they  take 
it  into  their  heads  to  suspect.11  In  this  manner  I  myself 

10  The  power  of  the  Inquisition  was  first  cemented  in  Spain  by  the 
marriage  of  Ferdinand  and  Isabella  of  Castile,  in  the  fifteenth  century. 
The  latter  had  been  made  to  promise,  before  her  marriage,  by  John  de 
Torquemada,  a  Dominican  friar,  that,  in  case  she  should  be  raised  to  the 
throne,  she  would  use  all  possible  methods  to  extirpate  heretics  and  infi- 
dels.   As  she  afterwards  was  queen,  and  brought  the  kingdom  of  Castile, 
by  way  of  dower,  to  Ferdinand,  they,  finding  themselves  exceeedingly 
powerful,  resolved  to  conquer  the  kingdom  of  (Grenada,  and  to  drive  back 
the  Moors  into  Barbary.     The  Moors  were  accordingly  subdued,  and  all 
the  territories  possessed  by  them  in  Spain  seized,  so  that  prodigious  mul- 
titudes of  them  were  forced  to  return  into  Africa.     Nevertheless,  great 
numbers  still  continued  in  Spain  ;  a  circumstance  owing  to  their  having 
possessions  or  wives  in  this  country,  or  their  being  settled  in  traffic  there. 
As  Ferdinand  and  Isabella  considered  that,  in  case  they  should  banish 
these  Moors  from  Spain,  they  thereby  would  depopulate  the  countries 
conquered  by  them,  their  majesties  consented  that  they,  as  well  as  the 
Jews,  should  continue  in  it,  provided  they  would  turn  Christians  ;  upon 
which  those  people,  finding  that  all  resistance  would  be  in  vain,  embraced 
the  Christian  religion  in  outward  appearance.    But  Torquemada  assured 
the  queen  that  this  dissimulation  would  be  extremely  prejudicial  to  the 
interest  of  religion  and  persuaded  her  to  prosecute  them  to  the  utmost ; 
recommending,  for  that  purpose,  the  establishment  of  the  Inquisition,  to 
which  she  gave  her  consent ;  and  the  Dominican  was  appointed  Inquisitor 
Genera],  and  discharged  his  functions  so  much  to  their  satisfaction,  that 
he  prosecuted,  in  fourteen  years,  above  100,000  persons,  6.000  of  whom 
were  burned  at  the  stake. 

11  The  following  instance  proves  that  the  inquisitors  will  condemn  an 
innocent  person,  rather  than  permit  any  of  their  accusations  to  be  dis- 
proved.    A  major  in  a  Portuguese  regiment  was  thrown  into  the  prison 
of  the  Inquisition  a-t  Lisbon,  on  a  charge  of  Judaism,  but  without  nam- 


IN    THE    INQUISITION.  121 

was  served,  a  year  before  the  inquisitors  had  ordered  me 
to  be  seized  ;  the  design  of  which,  I  suppose,  was  to  see 
whether,  among  the  letters  of  my  correspondents,  some 
mention  would  not  be  made  of  Freemasonry  ;  I  passing 
for  one  of  the  most  zealous  members  of  that  art,  which 
they  resolved  to  persecute  upon  pretence  that  enormous 
crimes  were  committed  by  its  professors.  However, 
though  the  inquisitors  did  not  find  by  one  of  my  inter- 
cepted letters  that  Freemasonry  either  struck  at  the 
Romish  religion,  or  tended  to  disturb  the  government, 
still  they  were  not  satisfied,  but  resolved  to  set  every 
engine  at  work,  in  order  to  discover  the  mysteries  and 
secrets  of  Masonry.  For  this  purpose  they  concluded 
that  it  would  be  proper  to  seize  one  of  the  chief  Free- 
masons in  Lisbon;12  and  accordingly  I  was  pitched  upon 
as  being  the  Master  of  a  lodge  ;  they  likewise  cast  their 
eye  on  a  Warden,  an  intimate  friend  of  mine,  Mr.  Alex- 
ing  the  offence.  After  having  been  incarcerated  two  years,  the  inquisi- 
tors told  him  that  he  was  convicted  of  being  a  relapsed  Jew,  which  he 
utterly  denied,  protesting  that  he  had  always  been  a  true  and  faithful 
Christian.  In  a  word,  they  could  not  prevail  with  him,  either  by  threats 
or  promises,  to  plead  guilty  to  any  one  of  the  articles  of  which  he  stood 
accused ;  declaring  that  he  would  die  with  innocence,  rather  than  pre- 
serve his  life  by  an  action  which  must  cover  him  with  eternal  infamy. 
Duke  d'Aveyro,  then  Inquisitor  General,  who  was  desirous  of  saving  this 
officer,  being  one  day  upon  his  visitation,  strongly  exhorted  him  to  em- 
brace the  opportunity  he  had  of  extricating  himself;  but  the  prisoner 
continuing  inflexible,  the  inquisitor  was  fired,  and  spoke  thus  to  him  : 
"  Dost  thou  imagine  that  we'll  have  the  lie  on  this  occasion  ?"  The 
inquisitor  then  withdrew,  leaving  the  prisoner  to  his  reflections  on  what 
he  had  heard.  Surely  these  words  employed  a  meaning  inconsistent  with 
the  character  of  an  upright  judge,  and  strongly  spoke  the  iniquitous  spirit 
of  this  tribunal.  To  conclude,  the  auto-da-fe  approaching,  our  victim 
was  condemned  to  the  flames,  and  a  confessor  sent  to  him.  Terrified  at 
this  horrid  death,  he,  though  entirely  innocent,  declared  himself  guilty  of 
the  crime  laid  to  his  charge.  His  possessions  were  then  confiscated,  after 
which,  he  was  made  to  walk  in  the  procession,  in  the  habit  of  one  re- 
lapsed ;  and  lastly,  he  was  sentenced  to  the  galleys  for  five  years. 

12  The  inquisitors  may  seize  a  heretic,  though  he  should  have  fled  for 
refuge  to  a  church  or  sanctuary,  and  the  bishop  himself  has  not  the 
power  to  prevent  it ;  a  circumstance  that  gives  them  greater  power  than 
is  enjoyed  by  the  kings  of  the  countries  where  the  Inquisition  is  estab- 
lished. No 'prelate  or  legate  from  the  see  of  Home  can  pronounce 
sentence  of  excommunication,  suspension,  or  interdict  against  the  inquisi- 
tors, without  an  express  order  from  the  pope  ;  and  the  inquisitors  may 
even  forbid  the  secular  judges  to  prosecute  any  person,  even  in  a  suit 
which  has  been  commenced  by  their  order.  Any  person  who  shall  kill, 
abuse,  or  beat  an  inquisitor,  or  an  official  of  the  Inquisition,  shall  be  de- 
livered over  to  the  secular  arm,  and  punished  according  to  his  deserts. 


SUFFERINGS    OF    COUSTOS 

ander  James  Moutoi),  a  diamond-cutter,  born  in  Paris, 
and  a  Romanist.  He  had  been  settled  six  years  before 
his  seizure  at  Lisbon,  in  which  city  he  was  a  housekeeper, 
and  where  his  integrity,  skill,  and  behaviour  were  such 
as  gained  him  the  approbation  of  all  to  whom  he  was 
known. 

The  reader  is  to  be  informed,  that  our  lodges  in  Lis- 
bon were  not  kept  at  taverns,  £c.,  but  alternately  an 
the  private  houses  of  chosen  jriends.  In  these  we  used 
to  dine  together,  and  practise  the  secrets  of  Freema- 
sonry. 

As  we  did  not  know  that  our  art  was  forbidden  in  Por- 
tugal,13 we  were  soon  discovered  by  the  barbarous  zeal 
of  a  lady,  who  declared,  at  confession,  that  we  were  Free- 
masons ;  that  is,  in  her  opinion,  monsters  in  nature,  who 
perpetrated  the  most  shocking  crimes.  This  discovery 
immediately  put  the  vigilant  officers  of  the  Inquisition 
upon  the  scent  after  us  ;  on  which  occasion  my  friend 
Mr.  Mouton  fell  the  first  victim — he  being  seized  in  man- 
ner following  : 

A  jeweller  and  goldsmith,  who  was  a  familiar  of  the 
holy  office,14  sent  a  friend  (a  Freemason  also)  to  Mr. 

J3  "  Portugal,"  says  a  writer  in  the  Freemasons'  Quarterly  Review, 
"  has  not  been  the  refuge  of  the  Mason.  As  in  Spain,  religious  intole- 
rance raised  that  scourge,  the  Inquisition,  with  its  mummeries  and  hor- 
rors, seeking  to  coerce  the  mind  of  man  within  the  narrowest  and  the 
vilest  trammels,  proving  the  state  of  bigotry  into  which  they  had  sunk  ; 
and  from  thence  the  unhappy  Freemason,  or  other  liberal-minded  person 
had  not  much  consideration  to  expect ;  nevertheless,  efforts  were  made, 
at  various  times,  and  in  various  places,  to  establish  lodges  ;  but  the  fears 
and  jealousies  of  the  bedarkened  priests  always  interfered  to  prevent  the 
spread  of  enlightenment,  or  benefit  to  mankind,  unless  they  were  the 
greatest  gainers.  In  1735,  several  noble  Portuguese,  with  more  for- 
eigners, instituted  a  Lodge  in  Lisbon,  under  the  Grand  Lodge  of  England, 
of  which  George  Gordon  was  Master  ;  but  no  sooner  was  the  slightest 
suspicion  entertained  of  its  existence,  than  the  clergy  determined  to  give 
the  clearest  evidence  of  their  hatred  to  the  Order  by  practical  illustra- 
tions." 

14  The  familiars  are  the  bailiffs  or  catchpoles  of  the  Inquisition.  Though 
this  is  a  most  ignominious  employment  in  all  other  criminal  courts,  it  yet 
is  looked  upon  as  so  honourable  *in  the  Inquisition,  that  every  nobleman 
in  Portugal  is  a  familiar  of  this  tribunal.  It  is  not  surprising  that  per- 
sons of  the  highest  quality  should  be  solicitous  for  this  post,  since  the 
pope  has  granted  to  these  familiars  the  like  plenary  indulgences  as  the 
council  of  Lateran  gave  to  such  persons  as  should  go  to  the  succour  of 
the  Holy  Land  against  the  infidels.  They  are  the  satellites  of  the  inqui- 
sitors ;  they  attending  on  them,  and  defending  them,  if  necessary,  agair.st 


IN    THE    INQUISITION.  123 

Mouton,  upon  pretence  that  he  wanted  to  speak  with 
him  about  mending  a  diamond  weighing  four  carats. 
They  agreed  upon  the  price ;  but  as  this  was  merely  an 
artifice  in  order  for  our  familiar  to  know  the  person  of 
the  said  Mouton,  he  put  him  off  for  two  days,  upon  pre- 
tence that  he  must  first  enquire  of  the  owner  of  the 
diamond  whether  he  approved  of  the  price  settled  between 
them. 

I  happened  to  be  at  that  time  with  Mr.  Mouton,  a  cir- 
cumstance which  gave  the  highest  joy  to  the  jeweller, 
finding  that  he  had  got  a  sight,  at  one  and  the  same  time, 
of  the  very  two  Freemasons  whom  the  inquisitors  were 
determined  to  seize. 

At  our  taking  leave,  he  desired  us  to  come  together  at 
the  time  appointed,  to  which  we  both  agreed.  The 
jeweller  then  made  his  report  to  the  inquisitors,  who 
ordered  him  to  seize  us,  when  we  should  return  about 
the  diamond  in  question. 

Two  days  being  elapsed,  and  my  business  not  permit- 
ting me  to  accompany  Mr.  Mouton,  he  went  alone  to  the 
jeweller  to  fetch  the  diamond,  which  was  computed  to 
be  wo.rth  a  hundred  moidores.  The  first  question  the 
jeweller  asked,  after  the  usual  compliments,  was,  "Where 
is  your  friend  Coustos  ?"  As  this  jeweller  had  before 
shown  me  some  precious  stones,  which  he  pretended  I 
should  go  to  work  upon,  Mr.  Mouton,  imagining  he  was 
desirous  of  putting  them  instantly  into  my  hands,  replied 
"  that  I  was  upon  'change,  and  that,  if  he  thought  proper, 
he  would  go  and  fetch  rne."  However,  as  this  familiar 
and  five  subaltern  officers  of  the  Inquisition,  who  were 
along  with  him,  were  afraid  of  losing  half  their  prey,  they 
inveigled  Mr.  Mouton  into  the  back  shop,  upon  pretence 
of  asking  his  opinion  concerning  certain  rough  diamonds. 
After  several  signs  and  words  had  passed  between  them, 
the  oldest  of  the  company  rising  up,  said  he  had  some- 
thing particular  to  communicate  to  Mr.  Mouton  ;  upon 
which  he  took  him  behind  a  curtain,  when,  enquiring  his 
name  and  surname,  he  told  him  that  he  was  his  prisoner, 
in  the  king's  name. 

the  insults  of  heretics.  They  accompany  the  executioner  whenever  he 
goes  to  seize  criminals,  and  must  obey  all  orders  given  them  by  the  chief 
officers  of  the  Inqusitiou.  Several  privileges  are  allowed  them,  especially 
the  carrying  arms  ;  but  they  arc  ordered  to  use  those  with  discretion. 


124  SUFFERINGS    OF    COUSTOS 

Being  sensible  that  he  had  not  committed  any  crime 
for  which  he  could  incur  his  Portuguese15  majesty's  dis 
pleasure,  he  gave  up  his  sword  the  moment  it  was 
demanded  of  him.  Immediately  several  trusty  officers 
of  the  Inquisition,  called  familiars,  fell  upon  him  to  pre- 
vent his  escaping;  then  commanded  him  not  to  make  the 
least  noise,  and  began  to  search  him.  This  being  done, 
and  finding  he  had  no  weapons,  they  asked  whether  he 
was  desirous  of  knowing  in  whose  name  he  had  been 
seized.  Mr.  Mouton  answered  in  the  affirmative.  "  \\V 
seize  you,"  said  they,  in  the  name  of  the  Inquisition  ;16 
and,  in  its  name,  we  forbid  you  to  speak  or  murmur  ever 
so  little."  Saying  these  words,  a  door  at  the  bottom  of 
the  jeweller's  shop,  and  which  looked  into  a  narrow  bye- 
lane,  being  opened,  the  prisoner,  accompanied  by  a  com- 

15  The  manner  in  which  the  Inquisition  was  first  established  in  Portugal 
appears  a  little  fabulous.     It  is  said  to  have  been  introduced  by  John 
Peres  de  Saavedra,  a  Spaniard.     We  are  told  that  he,  being  expert  at 
counterfeiting  the  apostolical  letters,   amassed  by  that  means  30,000 
ducats,  which  were  employed  by  him  in  order  to  bring  the  Inquisition 
into  Portugal,  and  that  in  manner  following:  He  assumed  the  character 
of  Cardinal  Legate  from  the  see  of  Rome  ;  when,  forming  his  household 
of  one  hundred  and  fifty  domestics,  he  was  received  in  the  above-nirntiimrd 
quality   at  Seville,  and  very   honourably  lodged  in  the  archiepiscopul 
palace.     Advancing,  after  this,  towards  the  frontiers  of  Portugal,  ho  dis- 
patched one  of  his  secretaries  to  the  king,  to  acquaint  him   with  his 
arrival,  and  to  present  him  with  fictitious  letters  from  the  emperor,  the 
King  of  Spain,  the  pope,  and  several  other  princes,  both  ecclesiastical 
and  secular,  who  all  entreated  his  majesty  to  favour  the  legate's  pious 
designs.     The  king,  overjoyed  at  this  legation,  sent  a  lord  of  his  court  to 
compliment  him,  and  attend  him  to  the  royal  palace,  where  be  resided 
about  three  months.     The  mock  legate  having  succeeded  in  his  designs 
by  laying  the  foundation  of  the  Inquisition,  took  leave  of  bis  majoty. 
and  departed,  greatly  satisfied  with  his  achievement  ;  but,  unluckily  for 
himself,  he  was  discovered  on  the  confines  of  Castile,  and  known  to  have 
been    formerly  a  domestic  of  a   Portuguese  nobleman.     He  was  then 
seized,  and  sentenced  to  ten  years  in  the  galleys,  where  he  continued  a 
long  time,  and  was  at  last  released  by  Pope  Paul  IV.     The  Inquisition 
in  Portugal  was  the  most  severe,  the  most  rigid  and  cruel  of  any  in  exist- 
ence. 

16  All  affairs  relating  to  the  holy  office  are  managed  by  the  inquisitors, 
who,  by   virtue   of    the  denunciations,  informations,  and   accusations, 
brought  against  all  sorts  of  persons,  issue  their  orders  for  seizing  and 
imprisoning  the  accused.     The  inquisitors  receive  their  depositions,  and 
if  they  are  not  to  their  mind,  they  use  various  kinds  of  tortures,  in  order 
to  extort  from  the  poor  wretches  such  a  conlession  as  they  themselves 
desire.     It  may  indeed  be  said,  that  all  their  prisoners,  how  innocent 
soever  they  may  be,  are  certain  of  being  condemned  to  some  kind  of  pun- 
ishment. 


IN    THE    INQUISITION.  125 

missary  of  the  holy  office,  was  thrown  into  a  small  chaise, 
where  he  was  so  closely  shut  up  (it  being  noon-day)  that 
no  one  could  see  him.  This  precaution  was  used  to 
prevent  his  friends  from  getting  the  least  information 
concerning  his  imprisonment,  and,  consequently,  from 
using  their  endeavours  to  procure  his  liberty. 

Being  come  to  the  prison  of  the  Inquisition,  they  threw 
him  into  a  dungeon,  and  there  left  him  alone,17  without 
indulging  him  in  the  satisfaction  they  had  promised,  which 
was,  to  let  him  speak,  immediately  upon  his  arrival,  to 
the  president  of  the  holy  office,  to  know  from  him  the 
reason  of  his  detainer.  On  the  contrary,  they  were  so 
cruel  to  Mr.  Mouton's  reputation,  as  to  spread  a  report 
he  was  gone  off  with  the  diamond  above-mentioned.  But 
how  greatly  were  every  one  of  his  friends  surprised  and 
shocked  at  this  slander !  As  we  all  entertained  the 
highest  idea  of  his  probity,  none  of  us  would  give  credit 
to  this  vile  report;  whence  we  unanimously  agreed,  after 
duly  weighing  this  matter,  to  go  in  a  body  to  the  jewel- 
ler, who  was  the  owner  of  the  diamond,  and  offer  him 
the  full  payment  of  it ;  firmly  persuaded  that  nothing 
but  the  most  fatal  and  unexpected  accident  could  have 
made  him  disappear  thus  suddenly,  without  giving  some 
of  his  friends  notice  of  it.  However,  the  jeweller  refused 
our  offer  in  the  politest  manner  ;  assuring  us,  at  the  same 
time,  that  the  owner  of  the  diamond  was  so  wealthy  a 
man,  that  the  loss  of  it  would  be  but  a  trifle  to  him. 

But  as  truth  frequently  breaks  through  all  the  veils 
with  which  falsehood  endeavours  to  cloud  her,  this  gene- 
rosity in  persons  to  whom  we  were,  in  a  great  mea- 
sure, strangers,  made  us  suspect  some  iniquitous,  dark 
act.  Our  conjecture  appeared  but  too  well  grounded, 
from  the  severe  persecution  that  was  immediately  raised 


17  In  these  miserable  places  the  prisoner  is  closed  in  a  room  about 
twelve  feet  long  and  ten  wide,  by  two  strong  doors.  The  cell  is  gene- 
rally dark,  the  light  coming  in  only  through  a  very  small  window  at  the 
top  of  the  wall.  This  glimmering  light  inspires  such  a  degree  of  melan- 
choly, that  the  prisoner  usually  wishes  for  night,  when  the  cell  is  enlight- 
ened by  a  small  lamp.  The  stench  of  these  places  is  most  unwholesome ; 
for  the  prisoner  is  obliged  to  spend  month  after  month  in  the  midst  of 
every  species  of  filth  and  dirt,  until  the  stench  is  so  nauseous,  breeding 
reptiles  and  worms,  that  it  is  a  miracle  how  the  poor  wretches  continue 
to  live  in  the  midst  of  so  much  filth. 


126  SUFFERINGS    OF    COUSTOS 

against  the  Freemasons — 1  myself  being  seized  four  days 
after. 

I,  perhaps,  should  have  escaped  their  merciless  paws, 
had  I  not  been  betrayed,  in  the  most  barbarous  manner, 
by  a  Portuguese  friend  of  mine,  as  I  falsely  supposed  him 
to  be ;  and  whom  the  holy  office  had  ordered  to  watch 
me  narrowly.18  This  man  seeing  me  in  a  coffee-house, 
the  5th  of  March,  1742-3,  between  nine  and  ten  at  night, 
went  arid  gave  notice  thereof  to  nine  officers  of  the  In- 
quisition, who  were  lying  in  wait  for  me,  with  a  chaise, 
near  that  place. 

I  was  in  the  utmost  confusion  when,  at  my  going  out 
of  the  coffee-house  with  two  friends,  the  above  officers 
seized  me  only.19  Their  pretence  for  this  was,  that  I  had 

ld  This  was  the  usual  custom.  The  ties  of  nature  were  often  violated 
to  gratify  the  vengeance  of  the  inquisitors.  The  following  is  an  instamv 
of  this  fact : — "  Alphonso  Nobre,  born  in  Villa  Viziosa,  and  descended 
from  one  of  the  most  ancient  and  illustrious  families  of  that  city,  many 
of  whom  had  filled  those  posts  which,  in  Portugal,  are  bestowed  on  none 
but  noble  persons,  and  all  whose  ancestors  could  not  be  reproached  with 
the  least  tincture  of  Judaism,  was  seized  and  carried  to  the  prisons  of  the 
Inquisition  of  Coimbra,  upon  the  information  of  persons  who  swore  that 
he  was  not  a  Christian.  Some  time  after,  his  only  son  and  daughter 
were  seized  and  confined  in  the  same  prison.  These  children,  who  were 
very  young,  impeached  their  father ;  whether  excited  thereto  by  evil 
counsellors,  or  that  the  tortures  had  extorted  the  impeachment  from 
them.  At  last  the  unhappy  father  was  sentenced  to  be  burnt  alive,  on 
the  depositions  of  his  children.  The  day  of  the  auto-da-fe  being  come, 
the  son  drew  near  to  his  parent,  to  crave  forgiveness  and  his  blessing, 
but  the  ill-fated  father  replied — '  I  pardon  you  both,  though  you  are  the 
sole  cause  of  my  ignominious  and  cruel  death ;  as  to  my  blessing,  1  can- 
not give  it  you  ;  for  he  is  not  my  sou,  who  makes  a  pretended  confession 
of  untruths,  and  who,  having  been  a  Roman  Catholic,  shamefully  denies 
his  Saviour,  by  declaring  himself  a  Jew.  Go,'  added  he,  '  unnatural  son  ! 
I  beseech  Heaven  to  pardon  you  !'  Being  come,  at  last,  to  the  stake,  he 
discovered  such  great  courage  and  resolution,  made  such  pathetic  dis- 
courses, and  addressed  himself  with  so  much  fervour  to  the  Almighty, 
as  filled  all  his  hearers  with  admiration,  and  caused  them  to  look  upon  his 
judges  with  horror." 

19  It  frequently  happens  that  the  inquisitors,  from  an  apprehension 
that  an  accused  person  may  possibly  escape  from  their  clutches,  issue 
their  ordeis  to  seize  him  at  once.  In  such  a  case  no  asylum  or  privilege 
can  protect  him ;  for  the  familiars  are  always  sufficiently  numerous  to 
prevent  a  rescue.  Words  can  scarcely  describe  the  extent  of  such  a 
calamity.  He  is  perhaps  seized  when  in  company  with  his  friend,  or 
surrounded  by  his  family — a  lather  from  the  arms  of  a  son,  or  a  wife  from 
the  arms  of  her  husband.  No  person  dare  make  the  slightest  resistance, 
or  even  to  speak  a  single  word  in  favour  of  the  prisoner ;  nor  is  he 
allowed  a  moment's  respite  to  settle  his  most  important  affairs.  Thus  it 


IN    THE    INQUISITION.  127 

passed  my  word  for  the  diamond  which  Mr.  Mouton  had 
run  away  with ;  that  I  must  certainly  be  his  accomplice, 
since  I  had  engaged  my  friends  to  offer  to  pay  for  the 
diamond ;  all  which,  added  they,  I  must  have  done  in  no 
other  view  than  to  conceal  my  villainy.  It  was  to  no 
purpose  that  I  alleged  a  thousand  things  in  my  own  justi- 
fication. Immediately  the  wretches  took  away  my  sword, 
hand-cuffed  me,  forced  me  into  a  chaise  drawn  by  two 
mules,  and  in  this  condition  I  was  hurried  away  to  the 
prison  of  the  Inquisition. 

But,  spite  of  these  severities,  and  their  commanding 
me  not  to  open  my  lips,  I  yet  called  aloud  to  one  of  my 
friends,  Mr.  Richard,  who  had  been  at  the  coffee-house 
with  me,  and  was  a  Freemason,  conjuring  him  to  give 
notice  to  all  the  rest  of  our  Brethren  and  friends,  of  my 
being  seized  by  command  of  the  holy  office,  in  order  that 
they  might  avoid  the  misfortune  which  had  befallen  me, 
by  going  voluntarily  to  the  inquisitors,  and  accusing 
themselves. 

I  must  take  notice,  that  the  inquisitors  very  seldom 
cause  a  person  to  be  seized  in  broad  day-light,  except 
they  are  almost  sure  that  he  will  make  no  noise  nor  re- 
sistance. This  is  a  circumstance  they  observe  very 
strictly,  as  is  evident  from  the  manner  in  which  they 
*took  Mr.  Mouton.  Further,  they  frequently  make  use 
of  the  king's  name  and  authority  on  these  occasions,  to 
seize  and  disarm  the  pretended  criminal,  who  is  afraid  to 
disobey  the  orders  he  hears  pronounced.  But  as  dark- 
ness befriends  deeds  of  villainy,  the  inquisitors,  for  this 
reason,  usually  cause  their  victims  to  be  secured  in  the 
night.20 

will  be  seen,  that  persons  living  under  the  eye  of  the  Inquisition,  must 
necessarily  be  filled  with  apprehension ;  since,  in  order  to  secure  them- 
selves from  its  vengeance,  one  friend  is  obliged  to  sacrifice  another ; 
parents  their  children ;  husbands  their  wives,  and  wives  their  husbands, 
by  a  voluntary  accusation.  What  kind  of  tribunal  must  that  be  which 
thus  extinguishes  all  the  sensations  of  tenderness  and  affection  which 
nature  inspires  towards  every  relation  of  social  life ;  and  extends  its  in- 
humanity so  far  as  to  compel  children  to  accuse  their  parents,  and  to 
become  the  unhappy  authors  of  the  cruelties  which  they  are  sure  to  suffer  ? 
20  When  a  familiar,  who  has  been  appointed  by  the  inquisitors  to  seize 
a  criminal,  has  found  him,  he  merely  bids  him  to  follow  his  steps.  All 
the  way  they  go,  the  officer  uses  every  artifice  in  his  power  to  persuade 
the  poor  wretch  to  make  a  full  confession  of  his  guilt,  i;i  ordor,  as  he  is 
told,  to  experience  the  mercy  of  the  inquisitors,  who  are  s;m-  to  liberate 


128  SUFFERINGS    OF    COUSTOS 

The  Portuguese,  and  many  foreigners,  are  so  appre- 
hensive of  the  sinister  accidents  which  often  happen  at 
Lisbon  in  the  night-time,  especially  to  a  person  who  ven- 
tures  out  alone,  that  few  are  found  in  the  streets  of  this 
city  at  a  late  hour. 

I  imagined  myself  so  secure  in  the  company  of  my 
friends,  that  I  should  not  have  been  afraid  of  resisting 
the  officers  in  question,  had  the  former  lent  me  their  as- 
sistance. But,  unhappily  for  me,  they  were  struck  with 
such  a  sudden  panic,  that  every  one  of  them  Hed,  leaving 
me  to  the  mercy  of  nine  wretches,  who  fell  upon  me  in 
an  instant.21 

They  then  forced  me  to  the  prison  of  the  Inquisition, 
where  I  was  delivered  up  to  one  of  the  officers  of  this 
pretended  holy  place.  This  officer  presently  calling  four 
subalterns,  or  guards,  these  took  me  to  an  apartment,  till 
such  time  as  notice  should  be  given  to  the  president  of 
my  being  catched  in  their  snare.22 

him,  and  permit  his  return  to  his  family ;  and  that  if,  on  the  contrary,  he 
does  not  accuse  himself,  he  must  not  expect  his  release  from  prison,  until 
he  has  undergone  a  variety  of  tortures,  with  the  almost  certain  prospect 
of  being  burned  alive  at  last.  In  like  manner,  when  he  comes  to  the 
prisons  of  the  Inquisition,  the  alcaide  and  his  followers  exhort  the  pri- 
soner to  confess,  under  the  promise  of  being  speedily  restored  to  his  friends. 
The  prisoner  is  often  deluded  by  these  artifices  to  accuse  himself  of  crimes' 
which  he  never  committed,  and  then,  they  subject  him  to  punishment  on 
his  own  confession! 

sl  They  were  bound  to  do  this ;  for  it  was  penal  to  conceal,  or  give  the 
prisoner  advice  or  assistance  to  enable  him  to  escape  out  of  prison,  and 
also  to  molest,  by  threats  or  otherwise,  the  agents  of  the  tribunal  in  the 
discharge  of  their  duties.  If  any  one  should  speak  without  permission  to 
a  prisoner,  or  write  to  him,  or  even  to  give  him  comfort,  he  is  liable  to 
punishment  as  a  fautor  of  heresy ;  as  also  are  those  who  prevail  upon 
witnesses  to  be  silent  or  to  favour  the  prisoner  in  their  depositions ;  or 
who  conceal  or  destroy  papers  which  may  be  useful  in  convicting  the 
accused. 

22  Two  prisoners  are  seldom  lodged  in  the  same  cell,  because,  as  the 
inquisitors  pretend,  they  might  agree  to  suppress  or  conceal  the  truth  ;  but 
the  real  motive  for  keeping  them  apart,  is  to  extort  from  them,  by  the 
dreadful  solitude  of  their  confinement,  an  admission  of  the  charges  that 
are  made  against  them.  Occasionally  two  prisoners  are  allowed  to  be 
together  :  when  a  prisoner  is  sick,  a  companion  is  given  him ;  and  when 
the  inquisitors  have  failed  to  induce  a  prisoner  to  admit  a  false  charge, 
they  then  send  him  a  companion,  who  artfully  glides  into  the  confidence 
of  the  prisoner,  by  inveighing  a.;raiixt  the  inquisitors,  and  accusing  them 
pf  injustice,  cruelty,  and  barbarity.  The  unhappy  victim  in.>ensibly  joins 
iu  his  reproaches,  when  the  companion  appears  as  a  witness  against  him, 
and  the  poor  deluded  wretch  is  at  once  convicted  on  his*  testimony. 


IN    THE    INQUISITION.  129 

A  little  after,  the  above-mentioned  officer  coming 
again,  bid  the  guards  search  me,  and  take  away  all  the 
gold,  silver,  papers,  knives,  scissors,  buckles,  &c.,  I  might 
have  about  rne.23  They  then  led  me  to  a  lonely  dungeon, 
expressly  forbidding  me  to  speak  loud,  or  knock  at  the 
walls;  but  that,  in  case  I  wanted  anything,  to  beat 
against  the  door,  with  a  padlock  that  hung  on  the  out- 
ward door,  and  which  1  could  reach,  by  thrusting  my 
arm  through  the  iron  grates.  It  was  then  that,  struck 
with  all  the  horrors  of  a  place  of  which  I  had  heard  and 
read  such  baleful  descriptions,  I  plunged  at  once  into  the 
blackest  melancholy,  especially  when  I  reflected  on  the 
dire  consequences  with  which  my  confinement  might 
very  possibly  be  attended.24 

I  passed  a  whole  day  and  two  nights  in  these  terrors, 
which  are  the  more  difficult  to  describe,  as  they  wrere 
heightened  at  every  little  interval  by  the  complaints,  the 
dismal  cries,  and  hollow  groans,  echoing  through  this 
dreadful  mansion,  of  several  other  prisoners,  my  neigh- 
bours; and  which  the  solemn  silence  of  the  night  made 
infinitely  more  shocking.  It  was  now  that  time  seemed 

23  When  a  prisoner  is  placed  in  his  dungeon,  he  is  thoroughly  searched 
for  any  books  or  papers  that  might  contribute  to  his  conviction ;  and  to 
deprive  him  of  any  instrument  by  which  he  might  put  an  end  to  his  life, 
to  escape  the  torture,  of  which  there  are  too  many  sad  examples.     After 
his  money,  papers,  buckles,  rings,  &c.,  have  been  taken  from  him,  he  is 
left  to  his  own  reflections.     Torn  from  his  family  and  friends,  who  are  not 
allowed  access  to  him,  or  even  to  communicate  with  him  by  letter,  he 
finds  himself  abandoned  to  melancholy  and  despair.     Innocence,  in  such 
a  situation,  will  afford  him  no  protection — nothing  being  easier  than  to 
ruin  an  innocent  person.     He  is  soon  visited  by  the  inquisitor  and  his 
officers,  who  inform  him  that  they  have  been  to  his  dwelling,  and  taken 
an  inventory  of  all  his  papers,  effects,  and  of  everything  there  found. 
Indeed,  they  frequently  seize  upon  the  prisoner's  estates,  to  pay  them- 
selves, as  they  pretend,  the  fine  to  which  the  accused  may  probably  be 
subjected  by  the  holy  office. 

24  The  furniture  of  these  miserable  dungeons  is  a  straw  bed,  a  blanket, 
sheets,  and  sometimes  a  mattrass.     The  prisoner  is  likewise  allowed  a 
frame  of  wood,  about  six  feet  long  and  three  or  four  wide.     This  he  lays 
upon  the  ground  and  spreads  his  bed  upon  it.     He  has  also  a  great 
earthen  pot  to  ease  nature  in,  an  earthen  pan  for  washing  himself;  two 
pitchers,  one  for  clean  and  the  other  for  foul  water ;  a  plate,  and  a  little 
vessel  with  oil  to  light  his  lamp.     He  is  not  allowed,  however,  book  or 
papers  of  any  kind.     Their  provisions  are  regulated  by  a  dietary,  and  are 
of  the  meanest  kind.     If  any  of  the  prisoners  desire  wine,  it  is  sometimes 
allowed  on  a  proper  application.     "  I  myself,"  says  Coustos,  "  addressed 
the  inquisitors  for  this  purpose,  and  my  request  was  granted." 


L30  SUFFERINGS    OF    COUSTOS 

to  have  lost  all  motion,  and  these  threescore  hours  ap- 
peared to  me  like  so  many  years.25 

However,  afterwards  calling  to  mind  that  grief  would 
only  aggravate  my  calamity,  I  endeavoured  to  aVin  my 
soul  with  patience,  and  to  habituate  myself,  as  well  as  I 
could,  to  woe.  Accordingly  I  roused  my  spirits;  and, 
banishing  for  a  few  moments  these  divadfully  mournful 
ideas.  I  began  to  reflect  seriously  on  the  methods  how  to 
extricate  myself  from  this  labyrinth  of  horrors.  My  con- 
sciousness that  I  had  not  committed  any  crime  which 
could  justly  merit  death,  would  now  and  then  soften  my 
pangs;  but  immediately  after,  dreadful  thoughts  over- 
spread my  mind,  when  I  imaged  to  myself  the  crying  in- 
justice of  which  the  tribunal,  that  was  to  judge  me,  is 
accused.  I  considered  that,  being  a  Protestant,26  I  should 
inevitably  feel,  in  its  utmost  rigours,  all  that  rage  and 
barbarous  zeal  could  infuse  in  the  breast  of  monks,  who 
cruelly  gloried  in  committing  to  the  flames  great  uuui- 

25  Sometimes  a  prisoner  passes  several  months  in  his  cell  without  being 
brought  to  trial,  or  knowing  the  crime  of  which  he  stum!-   impeached. 
At  lenght  the  jailor  suggests  that  he  ought  to  petition  for  an  audience. 
If  he  do  this,  he  is  conducted  into  the  presence  of  his  judges  bareheaded. 
He  is  kept,  however,  in  the  antechamber,  until  the  porter  has  given  three 
knocks  at  the  door  of  the  great  hall.     This  is  a  signal  to  the  inquisitors 
to  clear  the  hall,  that  the  prisoner  may  not  see  or  be  seen  by  any  im- 
proper person.    This  being  done,  the  judge  answers  by  the  sound  of  a 
little  bell.     The  prisoner  is  then  led  in,  aiul  advancing  to  the  table,  is 
told  to  kneel  down  and  lay  his  hand  on  a  closed  book,  and  he  is  required 
solemnly  to  promise  that  he  will  conceal  the  secrete  of  the  holy  office,  and 
speak  the  truth.     He  is  then  allowed  to  sit  down,  when  he  is  strictly 
questioned  on  the  subject  of  the  charges  on  which  he  has  been  confined. 
The  secretary  having  written  down  all  the  interrogatories,  with  the  pri- 
soner's replies,  the  latter  is  exhorted  by  his  judgo  to  spend  his  time,  until 
he  shall  be  again  examined,  in  recollecting  all  the  crimes  he  may  have 
committed  since  he  has  arrived  at  years  of  discretion ;  and  then,  he  is 
ordered  back  to  his  dungeon. 

26  All  Protestants  are  deemed  heretics ;  but  the  meaning  of  the  word  is 
much  more  extensive,  and  comprehends  all  persons  who  have  spoken,  or 
written,  or  taught  any  tenets  which  are  contrary  to  the  traditions  of  the 
Church  of  Rome.     Likewise  such  as  have  been  heard  to  speak  tolerantly 
of  the  customs  of  other  churches,  or  who  believe  that  any  can  be  saved 
who  are  not  within  the  pale  of  that  church.     If  any  should  disapprove  of 
the  ceremonies,  usages,  or  customs  of  the  church  or  of  the  Inquisition,  or 
if  they  hold  any  heterodox  opinions  respecting  the  pope's  supremacy ; 
contemn  the  use  of  images,  or  read  books  which  have  been  condemned 
by  the.  Inquisition,  they  are  sure  to  be  suspected  of  heresy ;  as  are  also 
those  who  deviate  from  the  customs  of  religion,  who  eat  meat  on  fish 
days,  or  neglect  confession,  communion,  or  the  mass. 


IN    THE    INQUISITION.  131 

bers  of  ill-fated  victims,  whose  only  crime  was  their  dif- 
fering from  them  in  religious  opinions,  or  rather,  who 
were  obnoxious  to  those  tigers,  merely  because  they 
thought  worthily  of  human  nature,  and  had  in  the  utmost 
detestation,  these  Romish  barbarities,  which  are  not  to 
be  paralleled  in  any  other  religion.27 

These  apprehensions,  together  with  the  reflections 
which  reason  suggested  to  me,  viz.,  that  it  would  be 
highly  incumbent  on  me  to  calm  the  tumult  of  my  spi- 
rits, in  order  to  prevent  my  falling  into  the  snares  which 
my  judges  would  not  fail  to  spread  round  me ;  either  by 
giving  them  an  opportunity  of  pronouncing  me  guilty, 
or  by  forcing  me  to  apostatize  from  the  religion  in  which 
I  was  born  ;  these  things,  I  say,  worked  so  strongly  on 
my  mind,  that,  from  this  moment,  I  devoted  my  whole 
thoughts  to  the  means  of  my  justification.  This  I  made 
so  familiar  to  myself,  that  I  was  persuaded  neither  the 
partiality  of  my  judges,  nor  the  dreadful  ideas  I  had  en- 
tertained of  their  cruelty,  could  intimidate  me  when  I 
should  be  brought  before  them ;  which  I  accordingly 
was,  in  a  few  days,  after  having  been  shaved,  and  had  my 
hair  cut  by  their  order.28 

27  In  Poland,  even  so  late  as  the  year  1739,  a  juggler  was  exposed  to 
the  torture  until  a  confession  was  extracted  from  him  that  he  was  a 
sorcerer  ;  upon  which,  without  further  proof,  he  was  immediately  hanged  ; 
and  instances  in  other  countries  of  the  same  thing,  might  be  multiplied 
almost  without  end.     But  this  does  not  equal  in  absurdity  the  infatua- 
tion of  the  Inquisition  in  Portugal,  which  actually  condemned  to  the 
flames,  as  being  possessed  by  the  devil,  an  ape  belonging  to  an  English- 
man, who  had  taught  it  to  perform  some  uncommon  tricks ;  and  the  poor 
animal  is  confidently  said  to  have  been  publicly  burned  at  Lisbon,  in 
conformity  with  his  sentence,  in  the  year  1601.    (Beckmann's  Ancient 
Inventions,  vol.  i.,  p.  172.) 

28  A  day  or  two  after  the  prisoner  is  brought  into  his  cell,  his  hair  is 
cut  off,  and  his  head  is  shaved.     On  these  occasions  no  distinction  is  made 
in  age,  sex,  or  birth.     He  is  then  ordered  to  tell  his  name  and  profession  ; 
and  to  make  a  discovery  of  whatever  he  is  worth  in  the  world.  To  induce 
him  to  do  this,  the  inquisitor  promises  that,  if  he  be  really  innocent,  the 
several  things  disclosed  by  him  will  be  carefully  restored  ;  but  that  should 
he  endeavour  to  conceal  any  of  his  effects,  and  they  be  afterwards  found, 
they  all  will  be  confiscated,  though  he  may  be  cleared.     As  most  of  the 
Portuguese  are  so  weak,  as  to  be  firmly  persuaded  of  the  sanctity  and 
integrity  of  this  tribunal,  they  do  not  scruple  to  discover   even   such 
things  as  they  might  most  easily  conceal,  from  a  firm  belief  that  every 
particular  will  be  restored  to  them,  the  moment  their  innocence  shall  be 
proved.     However,  these  hapless  persons  are  imposed  upon ;  for  those 
who  have  the  sad  fortune  to  fall  into  the  merciless  hands  of  the  iniquitous 


132  SUFFERINGS    OF    COUSTOS 

I  was  now  led,  bare-headed,  to  the  president  and  four 
Inquisitors,29  who,  upon  my  corning  in?  bid  me  kneel 
down,  lay  my  right  hand  on  the  Bible,  and  swear,  in  the 
presence  of  Almighty  God,  that  I  would  speak  truly 
witli  regard  to  all  the  questions  they  should  ask  me. 
These  questions  were:  my  Christian  and  snrnai. 
those  of  my  parents,  the  place  of  my  birth,  my  profes- 
sion, religion,  and  how  long  I  had  resided  in  Lisbon. 
This  being  done,  they  addressed  me  as  follows  : — "  Son. 
you  have  offended  and  spoke  injuriously  of  the  holy 
office,  as  we  know  from  very  good  hands  ;  for  which  rea- 
son we  exhort  you  to  make  a  confession  of,  and  to 
accuse  yourself  of  the  several  crimes  you  may  have 
committed,  from  the  time  you  were  capable  of  judging 
between  good  and  evil,  to  the  present  moment.  In 
doing  this,  you  will  excite  the  compassion  of  this  tribu- 
nal, which  is  ever  merciful  and  kind  to  those  who  speak 
the  truth."30 

judges,  are  instantly  bereaved  of  all  their  possessions.  In  case  they  plead 
their  innocence  with  regard  to  the  crimes  of  which  they  stand  accused, 
and  yet  should  be  convicted  by  the  witnesses  who  swore  against  them, 
they  then  would  be  sentenced  as  guilty,  and  their  whole  possessions  con- 
fiscated. If  prisoners,  in  order  to  escape  the  torture,  and  in  hopes  of 
being  sooner  set  at  liberty,  own  the  crime  or  crimes  of  which  they  are 
impeached,  they  then  are  pronounced  guilty  by  their  own  confession  ;  and 
the  public,  in  general,  think  their  effects,  «fcc.,  justly  confiscated.  If  such 
prisoners  come  forth  as  repentant  criminals,  who  had  accused  themselves 
voluntarily,  they  yet  dare  not  plead  their  innocence  ;  since  they  thereby 
would  run  the  hazard  of  being  imprisoned  again,  and  sentenced,  not  only 
as  hypocritical  penitents,  but  likewise  as  wretches  who  accuse  the  inquisi- 
tors of  injustice  ;  so  that,  what  course  soever  these  persons  might  take, 
they  would  certainly  lose  all  such  possessions  belonging  to  them  as  the 
inquisitors  had  seized. 

29  The  author  of  the  Eelation  of  the  Inquisition  of  Goa,  p.  89,  et  seq., 
Paris,  1688,  writes  as  follows  concerning  the  officers  of  the  Inquisition  : 
— "  There  are  at  Goa  two  inquisitors  ;  the  first  called  tin-  great  inquisitor, 
who  is  a  secular  priest,  and  the  second  a  Dominican  friar.     The  officers 
called  deputados  draw  up  the  prosecutions,  and  assist  at  the  judgment 
of  the  prisoners.     The  proctor  acts  as  the  advocate  of  such  prisoners  as 
may  desire  to  employ  him  ;  but  he  is  rather  a  betrayer  than  a  defender  ; 
for  the  information  which  he  extracts  from  the  unhappy  culprit,  in  con- 
fidence, he  always  betrays  to  the  judges.     The  familiars  are  but  the 
bailiffs  of  the  tribunal,  who  are  employed  in  seizing  suspected  persons. 
The  office  is  honorary,  and  includes  persons  of  all  conditions,  even  dukes 
and  princes,  who  wear  a  medal  with  the  arms  of  the  Inquisition.     There 
are  likewise  secretaries,  apparitors,  and  guards  or  attendants  to  look 
after  the  prisoners,  and  to  provide  them  with  food  and  other  necessaries.' 

30  A  French  writer,  himself  professing  the  Roman  Catholic  religion, 


IN    THE    INQUISITION.  133 

It  was  then  they  thought  proper  to  inform  me,  that 
the  diamond,  mentioned  in  the  former  pages,  was  only  a 
pretence  they  had  employed,  in  order  to  get  an  opportu- 
nity of  seizing  me.  I  now  besought  them,  "  to  let  me 
know  the  true  causes  of  my  imprisonment ;  that  having 
been  born  and  educated  in  the  Protestant  religion,  I  had 
been  taught  from  my  infancy,  not  to  confess  myself  to 
men,  but  to  God,  who,  as  he  only  can  see  into  the 
inmost  recesses  of  the  human  heart,  knows  the  sincerity 
or  insincerity  of  the  sinner's  repentance,  who  confessed 
to  him  ;  and,  being  his  Creator,  it  was  he  only  who 
could  absolve  him." 

The  reader  will  naturally  suppose  that  they  were  no 
ways  satisfied  with  my  answer — "They  declaring,  that 
it  would  be  indispensably  necessary  for  me  to  confess 
myself,  what  religion  soever  I  might  be  of;  otherwise, 
that  a  confession  would  be  forced  from  me,  by  the  expe- 
dients the  holy  office  employed  for  that  purpose."3 

To  this  I  replied — "  That  I  had  never  spoken  in  my 
life  against  the  Romish  religion  ;  that  I  had  behaved  in 


speaking  of  the  various  courts  in  Lima,  says  : — "  The  most  formidable 
of  all  the  tribunals  is  that  of  the  Inquisition,  whose  name  alone  is  suffi- 
cient to  strike  terror  into  every  heart. — 1.  Because  the  informer  is  ad- 
mitted as  a  witness.  2.  The  persons  impeached  never  know  who  it  is 
that  have  laid  the  information  against  them.  3.  The  witnesses  are  never 
confronted.  Hence  innocent  persons  are  daily  seized,  whose  only  crime 
is  to  have  enemies  who  are  bent  upon  their  destruction."  (Frezier.  Eel. 
du  Voyage,  p.  201.) 

31  "  The  pretended  zeal  of  the  inquisitors,"  says  Coustos,  in  his  Appen- 
dix, "  for  preserving  religion  in  its  purity,  is  merely  a  cloak  to  hide  their 
boundless  ambition,  their  insatiable  thirst  for  riches,  and  their  vindictive 
spirit.  The  Emperor  Frederick  invested  the  inquisitors  with  great 
privileges,  and  encouraged  them  to  the  most  cruel  abuse  of  them.  All 
who  opposed  his  will  were  deemed  heretics,  and  judged  and  burnt  as 
such.  He  committed  to  the  flames,  under  the  false  pretence  of  heresy,  so 
great  a  number  of  Romanists,  that  Pope  Gregory  could  not  forbear 
representing  to  him.  in  the  most  serious  terms,  that  it  became  him  to 
extirpate  heretics  only,  and  not  the  true  sons  of  the  church.  The  mon- 
arch in  question  did  not  foresee  that  the  court  of  Rome  might  turn  those 
very  weapons  against  him,  which  he  had  employed  so  unjustly  against  a 
multitude  of  Christians.  This  emperor  was  afterwards  sensible  of  his 
error,  but  too  late  ;  for  he  himself  was  in  1239  impeached  as  a  heretic, 
and  being  judged,  was  excommunicated  as  such,  and  his  subjects  freed 
from  the  allegiance  they  had  sworn  to  him  ;  though  his  heresy  was  no 
more  than  his  having  opposed  the  unlimited  power  which  the  popes 
pretended  to  exercise  over  all  Christians,  not  excepting  even  crowned 
beads." 


134  SUFFERINGS    OF    COUSTOS 

such  a  manner,  ever  since  my  living  at  Lisbon,  that  I 
could  not  be  justly  accused  of  saying  or  doing  anything 
contrary  to  the  laws  of  the  kingdom,  either  as  to  spiri- 
tuals or  temporals  ;  that  I  had  also  imagined  the  holy 
office  took  cognizance  of  none  but  tho^e  persons  who 
were  guilty  of  sacrilege,  blasphemy,  and  such  like 
crimes,  whose  delight  is  to  depreciate  and  ridicule  the 
mysteries  received  in  the  Romish  church,  but  of  whi-.-h 
I  was  no  ways  guilty."32  They  then  remanded  me  back 
to  my  dungeon,  after  exhorting  me  to  examine  my  con- 
science. 

Three  days  after  they  sent  for  me,  to  interrogate  me  a 
second  time.  The  first  question  they  asked  was — 
"  Whether  I  had  carefully  looked  into  my  conscience, 
pursuant  to  their  injunction  ?"  I  replied — "  That  after 
carefully  reviewing  all  the  past  transactions  of  my  life,  I 
did  not  remember  my  having  said  or  done  anything  that 
could  justly  give  offence  to  the  holy  otfice  ;  that  from 
my  most  tender  youth  my  parents,  who  had  been  forced 
to  quit  France  for  their  religion,  and  who  knew,  by  sad 
experience,  how  highly  it  concerns  every  one,  that 
values  his  ease,  never  to  converse  on  religious  subjects, 
in  certain  countries  ;  that  my  parents  (1  say)  had  ad- 
vised me  never  to  engage  in  disputes  of  this  kind,  since 
they  usually  embittered  the  minds  of  the  contending 
parties,  rather  than  reconciled  them  ;  further,  that  I 
belonged  to  a  society,  composed  of  persons  of  different 
religions  ;  one  of  the  laws  of  which  society  expressly 
forbids  its  members  ever  to  dispute  on  those  subjects, 
under  a  considerable  penalty."  As  the  inquisitors  con- 
founded the  word  society  with  that  of  religion,  I  assured 
them.  "  That  this  society  could  be  considered  as  a  reli- 
gious one,  no  otherwise  than  as  it  obliged  its  several 
members  to  live  together  in  charity  and  brotherly  love, 
how  widely  soever  they  might  differ  in  religious  prin- 

33  The  Inquisition  takes  cognizance  of  reputed  magicians,  wizards,  and 
fortune-tellers,  which  abound  in  the  south  of  Europe,  owing  to  the  cre- 
dulity of  the  people.  It  will  be  unnecessary  to  specify  the  various  accu- 
sations brought  forward  on  these  occasions ;  for  they  are  all  equally 
absurd.  Bat  though  the  prisons  of  the  Inquisition  are  usually  filled  with 
these  enthusiasts,  who  are  sometimes  punished  with  great  severity,  yet 
blasphemy  remains  unnoticed  by  the  inquisitors.  Thus  a  man  may  oftend 
God  with  impunity,  yet  he  must  not  offend  an  Inquisitor. 


IN    THE    INQUJSITION.  135 

ciples."  They  then  inquired — u  How  this  society  was 
called  ?"  I  replied — "  That  if  they  had  ordered  me  to 
be  seized  because  I  was  one  of  its  members  I  would 
readily  tell  them  its  name  :  I  thinking  myself  riot  a  little 
honoured  in  belonging  to  a  society  which  boasted  several 
Christian  kings,  princes,  and  persons  of  the  highest 
quality  among  its  members  ;  and  that  I  had  been  fre- 
quently in  company  with  some  of  the  latter,  as  one  of 
their  Brethren." 

Then  one  of  the  inquisitors  asked  me — "  Whether  the 
name  of  this  society  was  a  secret  ?"  I  answered — 
'*  That  it  was  not ;  that  I  could  tell  it  them  in  French 
or  English,  but  was  not  able  to  translate  it  into  Portu- 
guese." Then  all  of  them  fixing,  on  a  sudden,  their 
eyes  attentively  on  me,  repeated,  alternately,  the  words 
Freemason,  or  Francma§on.  From  this  instant  I  was 
firmly  persuaded  that  I  had  been  imprisoned  solely  on 
account  of  Masonry. 

They  afterwards  asked — "  What  were  the  constitu- 
tions of  this  society  V"  I  then  set  before  them,  as  well  as 
I  could,  "  the  ancient  traditions  relating  to  this  noble  art, 
of  which,  I  told  them,  James  VI.,  King  of  Scotland,33 
had  declared  himself  the  protector,  and  encouraged  his 
subjects  to  enter  among  the  Freemasons ;  that  it  ap- 
peared, from  authentic  manuscripts,  that  the  kings  of 
Scotland  had  so  great  a  regard  for  this  honourable 
society,  on  account  of  the  strong  proofs  its  members  had 
ever  given  of  their  fidelity  and  attachment,  that  those 
monarchs  established  the  custom  among  the  Brethren 
of  saying  whenever  they  drank,  *  God  preserve  the  king 
and  the  Brotherhood  ;'  that  this  example  was  soon 
followed  by  the  Scotch  nobility  and  the  clergy,  who  had 
so  high  an  esteem  for  the  Brotherhood,  that  most  of 
them  entered  into  the  society. 

"That  it  appeared  from  other  traditions,  that  the 
kings  of  Scotland  had  frequently  been  Grand  Masters  of 
the  Freemasons  ;  and  that,  when  the  kings  were  not 
such,  the  society  were  empowered  to  elect  as  Grand 
Master  one  of  the  nobles  of  the  country,  who  had  a  pen- 

'M  The  Constitutions  of  the  Freemasons,  £c.,  for  the  use  of  the  Lodge, 
by  Dr.  Anderson,  p.  38,  London,  1723.  Some  other  passages  here  are 
taken  from  the  same  work. 


136  SUFFERINGS    OF    COUSTOS 

sion  from  the  sovereign,  and  received,  at  his  election,  a 
gift  from  every  Freemason  in  Scotland." 

I  likewise  told  them — "  That  Queen  Elizabeth, 
ascending  the  throne  of  England  at  a  time  when  tin* 
kingdom  was  greatly  divided  by  factions  and  clashing 
interests,  and  taking  umbrage  at  the  various  assemblies 
of  great  numbers  of  her  subjects,  as  not  knowing  the 
designs  of  those  meetings,  she  resolved  to  suppress  the 
assemblies  of  the  Freemasons ;  however,  that,  before 
her  majesty  proceeded  to  this  extremity,  she  commanded 
some  of  her  subjects  to  enter  into  this  society,  among 
whom  was  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  primate  of 
her  kingdom ;  that  these,  obeying  the  queen's  orders, 
gave  her  so  very  advantageous  a  character  of  the  fidelity 
of  the  Freemasons,  as  removed,  at  once,  all  her  rnajr> 
suspicions  and  political  fears ;  so  that  the  society  lias, 
ever  since  that  time,  enjoyed  in  Great  Britain,  and  the 
places  subject  to  it,  all  the  liberty  it  could  wish  for,  and 
which  it  has  never  once  abused." 

They  afterwards  inquired — u  What  was  the  tendency 
of  this  society  ?"  I  replied — "  Every  Freemason  is 
obliged,  at  his  admission,  to  take  an  oath,  on  the  Holy 
Gospel,  that  he  will  be  faithful  to  the  king  ;  and  never 
enter  into  any  plot  or  conspiracy  against  his  sacred  per- 
son, or  against  the  country  where  he  resides  ;  and  that 
he  will  pay  obedience  to  the  magistrates  appointed  by 
the  monarch."*1 

I  next  declared — "  That  charity  was  the  foundation, 
arid  the  soul,  as  it  were,  of  the  society,  as  it  linked  toge- 
ther the  several  individuals  of  it  by  the  tie  of  fraternal 
love;  and  made  it  an  indispensable  duty  to  assist,  in  the 
most  charitable  manner,  without  distinction  of  religion, 
all  such  necessitous  persons  as  were  found  true  objects 
of  compassion."  It  was  then  they  called  me  liar,  de- 

•H  It  is  strange  that  the  skill  of  Masons — which  was  always  transivixl- 
eutly  great,  even  in  the  most  barbarous  times — their  wonderful  kindness 
and  attachment  to  each  other,  and  their  inviolable  fidelity  in  keeping  the 
secrets  of  the  Order,  should  have  exposed  them,  in  all  ages,  to  a  variety 
of  persecutions,  according  to  the  state  of  party,  or  the  alterations  of 
government.  Still  it  is  a  remarkable  fact,  that  Masons  have  always  been 
submissive  to  the  laws  of  the  country  where  they  worked,  although  they 
were  frequently  exposed  to  great  severities,  when  power  wore  the  trap- 
pings of  justice,  and  those  who  committed  treason,  punished  true  men  as 
traitors.  (MS.  in  British  Museum.) 


IN    THE    INQUISITION.  137 

claring — "  That  it  was  impossible  this  society  should 
profess  the  practice  of  such  good  maxims,  and  yet  be  so 
very  jealous  of  its  secrets  as  to  exclude  women  from  it." 
The  judicious  reader  will  perceive,  at  once,  the  weak- 
ness of  this  inference,  which,  perhaps,  would  be  found 
but  too  true,  were  it  applied  to  the  inviolable  secrecy 
observed  by  this  pretended  holy  office,  in  all  its 
actions.35 

They  presently  gave  orders  for  my  being  conveyed 
into  another  deep  dungeon  ;  the  design  of  which,  I  sup- 
pose, was  to  terrify  me  completely;  and  here  I  continued 
seven  weeks.  It  will  be  naturally  supposed  that  I  now 
was  overwhelmed  with  grief.  I  will  confess,  that  I  then 
gave  myself  up  entirely  for  lost,  and  had  no  resource  left 
but  in  the  Almighty,  whose  aid  I  implored  continually 
with  the  utmost  fervency. 

35  This  tribunal  bore  some  resemblance  to  the  Yehme  Gerichte  of  West- 
phalia. Mr.  Palgrave,  in  his  valuable  work  on  the  Rise  and  Progress  of 
the  English  Commonwealth,  says  : — "  The  criminal  jurisdiction  of  the 
Vehmic  tribunal  took  the  widest  range.  The  Yehme  could  punish  mere 
slander  and  contumely.  Any  violation  of  the  ten  commandments,  was  to 
be  restrained  by  che  Echevins.  Secret  crimes,  not  to  be  proved  by  the 
ordinary  testimony  of  witnesses,  such  as  magic,  witchcraft,  and  poison, 
were  particularly  to  be  restrained  by  the  Yehmic  judges  ;  and  they  some- 
times designated  their  jurisdiction  as  comprehending  every  offence  against 
the  honour  of  man  or  the  precepts  of  religion.  Such  a  definition,  if  defi- 
nition it  can  be  called,  evidently  allowed  them  to  bring  every  action  of 
which  an  individual  might  complain,  within  the  scope  of  their  tribunals. 
The  forcible  usurpation  of  land  became  an  offence  against  the  Yehme. 
And,  if  the  property  of  an  humble  individual  was  occupied  by  the  proud 
burghers  of  the  Hanse,  the  power  of  the  defendants  might  afford  a  reason- 
able excuse  for  the  interference  of  the  Yehmic  power.  The  Echevins,  as 
conservators  of  the  ban  of  the  empire,  were  bound  to  make  constant  cir- 
cuits within  their  districts,  by  night  and  by  day.  If  they  could  appre- 
hend a  thief,  a  murderer,  or  the  perpetrator  of  any  other  heinous  crime, 
in  possession  of  the  mamour,  or  in  the  very  act,  or,  if  his  own  mouth  con- 
fessed the  deed,  they  bung  him  upon  the  next  tree.  If,  without  any  cer- 
tain accuser,  and  without  the  indication  of  crime,  an  individual  was 
strongly  and  vehemently  suspected  ;  or,  when  the  nature  of  the  offence 
was  such  as  that  its  proof  could  only  rest  upon  opinion  and  presumption, 
the  offender  then  became  subject  to  what  the  German  jurists  term  the  in- 
quisitorial proceeding,  it  became  the  duty  of  the  Echevin  to  denounce  the 
leumund,  or  manifest  evil  tame  to  the  secret  tribunal.  If  the  Echevins 
and  the  Freygraff  were  satisfied  with  the  presentment,  either  from  their 
own  knowledge,  or  from  the  information  of  their  compeer,  the  offender 
was  said  to  be  verfambt,  his  life  was  forfeited  ;  and  wherever  he  was 
found  by  the  brethren  of  the  tribunal,  they  executed  him  without  the 
slightest  delay  or  mercy." 


138  SUFFERINGS    OF    COUSTOS 

During  my  stay  in  this  miserable  dungeon,30  I  was 
taken  three  times  before  the  inquisitors.  The  first  tliiuir 
they  made  me  do  was-,  to  swear  on  the  Bible  that  I  would 
not  reveal  the  secrets  of  the  Inquisition;  but  declare  the 
truth  with  regard  to  all  such  questions  as  they  should  put 
to  me;  they  added:  "That  it  \v;is  ihrir  linn  opinion 
that  Masonry  could  not  be  founded  on  sucli  good  prin- 
ciples as  I,  in  my  former  interrogatories,  had  affirmed  ; 
and  that,  if  this  society  of  Freemasons  was  so  virtuous  as 
I  pretended,  there  was  no  occasion  of  their  concealing, 
so  very  industriously,  the  secrets  of  it." 

I  told  them,  "That  as  secrecy37  naturally  excited  curi- 


M  The  house  of  the  Inquisition  in  Li^oon.  where  poor  Coustos  was  con- 
fined, is  described  as  being  a  very  sj>aeiou--  ediliee.  There  are  four  courts. 
each  about  forty  leet  square,  round  which  are  jralleri<  s  t\v>  -lories  high, 
which  lead  to  the  dormitories,  or  cells,  in  number  about  three  hundred. 
Those  on  the  ground  floor  are  frightful  dungeons,  built  of  freestone,  with 
arched  roofs,  and  very  dark  and  gloomy.  Tin-  ceils  on  the  first  floor  are 
not  much  better.  Females  are  commonly  lodged  in  those  of  the  upper 
story.  These  galleries  are  hid  from  the  view  by  high  walls,  which  being 
built  only  a  few  feet  from  the  entrance  of  the  cells,  contribute  much  to 
their  gloomy  appearance.  The  house  is  so  very  extensive,  and  contains 
such  a  variety  of  intricate  passages,  that  it  would  be  impossible  for  a 
prisoner,  even  if  he  escaped  from  his  cell,  to  find  his  way  out. 

37  One  of  the  principal  parts  that  makes  a  man  be  deemed  wise,  is  his 
intelligent  strength  and  ability  to  cover  and  conceal  such  honest  secrets 
as  are  committed  to  him,  as  well  as  his  own  serious  affairs.  And  whoever 
will  peruse  sacred  and  profane  history,  shall  find  a  great  number  of  vir- 
tuous attempts,  in  peace  and  war.  that  never  reached  their  designed  ends 
through  defect  of  secret  concealment  ;  and  yet,  besides  such  unhappy 
prevention,  infinite  evils  have  thereby  ensued.  But  before  all  other  ex- 
amples. let  us  consider  that  which  excels  all  the  rest,  derived  even  from 
God  himself.  Who  so  especially  preserves  his  own  secrets  to  himself, 
never  letting  any  man  know  what  should  happen  on  the  morrow  ;  nor 
could  the  wise  men  in  ages  past  divine  what  should  befall  us  in  this  ; 
whereby  we  may  readily  discern  that  God  himself  is  well  pleasul  with 
secrecy.  And  although,  for  man's  good,  the  Lord  has  been  pleased  to 
reveal  some  things,  yet  it  is  impossible  at  any  time  to  change  or  alter  his 
determination,  in  regard  whereof  the  reverend  wise  men  of  ancient  times 
evermore  affected  to  perform  their  intentions  secretly.  The  Athenians 
had  a  statue  of  brass  which  they  bowed  to  ;  the  figure  was  made  without 
a  tongue,  to  declare  secrecy  thereby.  The  servants  of  Plancus  are  much 
commended  because  no  torment  could  make  them  confess  the  secret  which 
their  master  entrusted  them  with.  Likewise  the  servant  of  Cato.  the 
orator,  was  cruelly  tormented,  but  nothing  could  make  him  reveal  the 
secrets  of  his  master.  Aristotle  was  demanded  what  thing  appeared  most 
difficult  to  him  ;  he  answered  to  be  secret  and  silent.  To  this  purpose 
St.  Ambrose,  in  his  offices,  placed  among  the  principal  foundations  of 
virtue  the  patient  gift  of  silence.  The  wise  King  Solomon  says,  in  his 
proverbs,  that  a  king  ought  not  to  drink  wine,  because  drunkenness  is  an 


IN    THK    INQUISITION.  ]  39 

osity,  this  prompted  great  numbers  of  persons  to  enter 
into  this  society,  that  all  the  moneys  given  by  members 
at  their  admission  therein  were  employed  in  works  of 
charity;  that  by  the  secrets  which  the  several  members 
practised,  a  true  Mason  instantly  knew  whether  a  stranger 
wlio  would  introduce  himself  into  a  lodge  was  really  a 
Freemason  ;  that,  was  it  not  for  such  precautions,  this 
society  would  form  confused  assemblies  of  all  sorts  of 
people,  who,  as  they  were  not  obliged  to  pay  obedience 
to  the  orders  of  the  Master  of  the  lodge,  it  consequently 
would  be  impossible  to  keep  them  within  the  bounds 
of  that  decorum  and  good  manners  which  are  exactly 
observed,  upon  certain  penalties,  by  all  Feeemasons. 
That  the  reason  why  women  were  excluded  this  society 
was,  to  take  away  all  occasion  for  calumny  and  reproach, 
which  would  have  been  unavoidable,  had  they  been  ad- 
mitted into  it.  Farther,  that  since  women  had  in  general 
been  always  considered  as  not  very  well  qualified  to  keep 
a  secret,  the  founders  of  the  society  of  Freemasons,  by 
their  exclusion  of  the  other  sex,  thereby  gave  a  signal 
proof  of  their  prudence  and  wisdom."38 

They  then  insisted  upon  my  revealing  to  them  the 
secrets  of  this  art.  "  The  oath,"  says  I,  "  taken  by  me 
at  my  admission,  never  to  divulge  them,  directly  or  in- 
directly, will  not  permit  me  to  do  it ;  conscience  forbids 
me;  and  I  therefore  hope  your  lordships  are  too  equitable 
to  use  compulsion."  They  declared  that  my  oath  was 

enemy  to  secrecy  ;  and,  in  his  opinion,  he  is  not  worthy  to  reign  that 
cannot  keep  his  own  secrets  ;  he  furthermore  says,  that  ho  which  discov- 
ers secrets  is  a  traitor,  and  he  which  conceals  them  is  a  faithful  Brother ; 
he  likewise  says,  that  he  that  refraineth  his  tongue  keeps  his  soul.  There- 
fore, I  am  of  opinion,  that  if  secrecy  and  silence  be  duly  considered,  they 
will  be  found  most  necessary  to  qualify  a  man  for  any  business  of  import- 
ance. If  this  be  granted,  I  am  confident  that  no  man  will  dare  to  dispute 
that  Freemasons  are  superior  to  all  other  men  in  concealing  their  secrets 
from  time  immemorial ;  which  the  power  of  gold,  that  often  has  betrayed 
kings  and  princes,  and  sometimes  overturned  whole  empires,  nor  the  most 
cruel  punishments  could  ever  extort  the  secret  even  from  the  \veakest 
member  of  the  whole  fraternity.  (Coustos.) 

38  Into  the  systems  of  the  spurious  Freemasonry,  not  only  men  but  women 
were  admitted  ;  because  it  was  the  opinion  of  the  Celtic  tribes,  that  there 
was  in  the  female  sex  something  more  than  commonly  penetrating  and 
clear-sighted  in  the  discovery  of  future  events.  (Tacitus,  de  mor.  Germ, 
viii.)  There  may  be  another  rrason  why  the  Druids  allowed  women  to 
be  present  at  their  most  secret,  ritc-s,  which  was,  to  season  them  to  scene* 
of  barbarity  and  blood.  (Alex,  ab  "Alex.,  p.  753.) 


140  SUFFERINGS    OF    COUSTOS 

as  nothing  in  their  presence,  and  that  they  would  absolve 
me  from  it.39  "Your  lordships,"  continued  I,  "  are  very 
gracious ;  but  as  I  am  firmly  persuaded  that  it  is  not  in 
the  power  of  any  being  upon  earth  to  free  me  from  my 
oath,  I  am  firmly  determined  never  to  violate  it."40  Thi's 
was  more  than  enough  to  make  them  remand  me  back 
to  my  dungeon,  where,  a  few  days  after,  I  fell  sick. 

A  physician  was  then  sent,  who,  finding  me  exceed- 
ingly ill,  made  a  report  thereof  to  the  inquisitors.  These, 
upon  their  being  informed  of  it,  immediately  gave  orders 
for  my  being  removed  from  this  frightful  dungeon  into 
another,  which  admitted  some  glimmerings  of  daylight. 
They  appointed,  at  the  same  time,  another  prisoner  to 
look  after  me  during  my  sickness,  which,  very  happily, 
was  not  of  long  continuance.41 

Being  recovered,  I  was  again  taken  before  the  inquisi- 
tors, who  asked  me  several  new  questions  with  regard 
to  the  secrets  of  Masonry,  and  whether,  since  my  abode 

38  Pope  Urban  IV.  granted  to  the  officers  of  the  Inquisition  the  power 
of  absolving  one  another,  even  for  crimes  which  would  have  incurred  a  sen- 
tence  of  excommunication.  They  are  also  empowered  to  absolve  all  friars, 
companions,  and  notaries  of  the  Inquisition,  from  the  penance  which  may 
have  been  enjoined  them  during  three  years  ;  provided  they  had  sincerely 
endeavoured  to  procure  the  prosecution  and  punishment  of  persons  sus- 
pected of  heresy.  And  if  any  of  these  agents  should  be  slain,  or  die  in 
this  pursuit,  the  inquisitors  had  the  power  of  giving  them  absolution  for 
all  their  previous  sins. 

40  This  dispensing  power  is  symbolized  by  the  pope  carrying  two  keys 
at  his  girdle.     One  of  paradise,  which  represents  the  power  which  he  ha- 
of  giving  absolution  ;  the  other  of  hell,  which  shows  his  power  of  excom- 
municating sinners.     And  he  has  a  third  given  him  as  an  emblem  of  his 
universal  knowledge,  and  the  infallibility  consequent  upon  it.     Tln-<e 
three  keys  represent,  unitedly,  that  the  power  of  the  pope,  as  God's  vice- 
gerent, is  superior  to  all  the  monarchs  upon  earth,  and  includes  the  right 
of  deposing  them  at  his  pleasure. 

41  During  the  time  of  actual  sickness,  the  inquisitors  are  disposed  to 
display  some*  tokens  of  humanity,  else  their  conduct  is  usually  barbarous 
and  severe.     They  will  not  allow  a  prisoner  to  make  the  least  noise,  to 
complain,  to  pray,  or  even  to  sing  psalms  or  hymns.     These  are  capital 
crimes,  for  which  the  attendants,  who  are  always  walking  up  and  down 
the  passages,  first  admonish  him  ;  and.  if  he  repeat  the  offence,  they  beat 
him  severely.     An  instance  of  this  severity  is  given  by  Constos  himself. 
He  says,  a  prisoner  having  a  violent  cough,  one  of  the  guards  came  and 
told  him  that  he  was  not  to  make  a  noise.     The  poor  wretch  said  he 
could  not  help  it ;  and  his  cough  increasing,  he  was  a  second  time  com- 
manded to  be  silent ;  and  this  being  impossible,  they  stripped  him  naked 
and  beat  him  so  unmercifully,  that  his  cough  grew  worse,  and  the  blows 
being  again  repeated,  he  died  under  the  infliction. 


IN    THE    INQUISITION.  141 

in  Lisbon,  I  had  received  any  Portuguese  into  the 
society.  I  replied  "that  I  had  not;  that  it  was  true, 
indeed,  that  Don  Emanuel  de  Soufa,  Lord  of  Calliaris, 
arid  captain  of  the  German  Guards,  hearing  that  the  per- 
son was  at  Lisbon  who  had  made  the  Duke  de  Villeroy 
a  Freemason,  by  order  of  the  French  king,  Louis  XV., 
Don  Emanuel  had  desired  M.  de  Chevigny,  at  that  time 
Minister  of  France  at  the  Portuguese  court,  to  enquire 
for  me  ;  but  that,  upon  my  being  told  that  the  King  of 
Portugal  would  npt  permit  any  of  his  subjects  to  be 
Freemasons,  I  had  desired  two  of  the  Brethren  to  wait 
on  M.  de  Calliaris  above-mentioned,  and  acquaint  him 
with  my  fears  ;42  and  to  assure  him,  at  the  same  time, 
that  in  case  he  could  obtain  the  king's  leave,  I  was 
ready  to  receive  him  into  the  Brotherhood,  I  being- 
resolved  not  to  do  any  thing  which  might  draw  upon  me 
the  indignation  of  his  Portuguese  majesty  :  that  M.  de 
Calliaris  having  a  very  strong  desire  to  enter  into  our 
society,  declared  that  there  was  nothing  in  what  I  had  ob- 
served with  regard  to  his  majesty's  prohibition  ;  it  being 
(added  this  nobleman)  unworthy  of  the  regal  dignity 
to  concern  itself  with  such  trifles.  However,  being  cer- 
tain that  I  spoke  from  very  good  authority,  and  knowing 
that  M.  de  Calliaris  was  a  nobleman  of  great  economy,  I 
found  no  other  expedient  to  disengage  myself  from  him 
than  by  asking  fifty  moidores  for  his  reception  ;  a 
demand  which  I  was  persuaded  would  soon  lessen,  or 
rather  suppress  at  once,  the  violent  desire  he  might  have 
to  enter  into  the  society  of  Freemasons." 

To  this  one  of  the  inquisitors  said,  "  that  it  was  not 

42  Rank  was  no  protection  against  papal  power,  of  which  there  are  un- 
fortunately too  many  examples.  Elezine,  Lord  of  Padua,  whose  heresy 
was  only  too  great  an  attachment  to  the  Emperor  Frederick,  was  excom- 
municated, and  inquisitors  appointed  to  prosecute  him  for  this  pretended 
crime.  He  was  summoned  to  appear  at  Rome,  and  he  sent  an  embassy 
to  proclaim  his  innocence.  But  they  were  not  allowed  to  be  heard,  the 
pope  insisting  that  he  should  appear  in  person  ;  and  upon  his  refusing 
to  obey  this  order,  he  was  declared  infamous  and  a  heretic ;  a  crusade 
was  sent  against  him  and  his  adherents  ;  and  all  his  possessions  were 
confiscated  in  favour  of  his  brother,  who  had  been  his  accuser.  About 
the  same  time,  the  Count  de  Toulouse  fell  a  victim  to  the  same  power. 
A  crusade  was  declared  against  him,  and  he  had  no  other  way  of  extri- 
cating himself  than  by  making  mean  and  servile  concessions  ;  his  only 
crime  being  a  strong  attachment  to  the  Emperor  Frederick,  who  was  at 
variance  with  the  court  of  Rome. 


]42  SUFFERINGS    OF    COUSTOS 

only  true  that  his  Portuguese  majesty  had  forbid  any  of 
his  subjects  to  be  made  Freemasons,  but  that  there  had 
been  fixed  up,  five  years  before,  upon  the  doors  of  all  the 
churches  in  Lisbon,  an  order  from  his  holiness,  strictly 
enjoining  the  Portuguese  in  particular  not  to  enter  into 
this  society,  and  even  excommunicated  all  such  as  \\ TIT 
then,  or  should  afterwards  become  members  of  it."43 
Here  I  besought  them  to  consider,  "  that  if  I  had  com- 
mitted any  offence  in  practising  Masonry  at  Lisbon,  it 
was  merely  through  ignorance,  I  having  resided  but  two 
years  in  Portugal  ;  that,  farther,  the  circumstance  just 
now  mentioned  by  them,  entirely  destroyed  the  charge 
brought  against  me,  viz.,  of  my  being  the  person  wno 
had  introduced  Freemasonry  in  Portugal."  They  an- 
swered, "  that  as  I  was  one  of  the  most  zealous  parti- 
sans of  this  society,  I  could  not  but  have  heard,  during 
my  abode  in  Lisbon,  the  orders  issued  by  the  holy 
father."  I  silenced  them  by  the  comparison  I  made 
between  myself  and  a  traveller  (a  foreigner)  who,  going 
to  their  capital  city,  and  spying  two  roads  leading  to  it, 
one  of  which  was  expressly  forbid,  upon  pain  of  the 
severest  punishment  to  strangers,  though  without  any 
indication  or  tokens  being  set  up  for  this  purpose  ;  that 
this  stranger.  I  say,  should  thereby  strike  accidentally, 
merely  through  ignorance,  into  the  forbidden  road. 

They  afterwards  charged  me  with  "  drawing  away 
Roman  Catholics  of  other  nations  residing  in  Lisbon." 
I  represented  to  them  "that  Roman  Catholics  must 
sooner  be  informed  of  the  pope's  injunction  than  I,  who 
was  a  Protestant ;  that  I  was  firmly  of  opinion  that  the 
severe  orders  issued  by  the  Roman  Dontiff  had  riot  a 

43  But  it  may  be  proper  to  remark  that  if  on  the  contrary  the  King  <>i' 
Portugal  had  tolerated  the  Freemasons,  the  inquisitors  would  have  ivfusod 
obedience  to  his  mandate,  as  they  did  on  other  occasions.  They  even 
ventured  to  cite  Jane,  daughter  of  the  Emperor  Charles  V.,  to  appeal- 
before  their  tribunal,  in  order  to  be  examined  on  some  articles  of  faith 
which  the  inquisitors  had  declared  to  be  heretical,  and  which  were  sus- 
pected to  be  held  by  one  of  her  chief  attendants.  The  emperor  stood  in 
such  awe  of  the  Inquisition,  that  he  commanded  his  daughter,  in  case  she 
thought  the  person  accused  ever  so  little  guilty,  to  give  her  information 
at  once,  in  order  to  avoid  the  sentence  of  excommunication,  which  would 
not  only  be  levelled  against  the  accused  person,  but  also  against  both 
himself  and  her.  In  compliance  with  this  command,  the  princess  imme- 
diately gave  in  her  deposition  to  the  inquisitor-general. 


IN    THE    INQUISITION.  143 

little  prompted  many  to  enter  among  the  Freemasons  ; 
that  a  man  who  was  looked  upon  as  a  heretic44  was  no 
ways  qualified  to  win  over  persons  who  considered  him 
as  such  ;  that  a  Freemason  who  professed  the  Romish 
religion,  was,  I  presumed,  the  only  man  fit  to  seduce 
and  draw  away  others  of  the  same  persuasion  with  him- 
self, to  get  into  their  confidence,  and  remove  successfully 
such  scruples  as  might  arise  in  their  minds,  both  with 
regard  to  the  injurious  reports  spread  concerning  Ma- 
sonry, and  to  the  pope's  excommunication,  of  which  a 
vile  heretic  entertained  an  idea  far  different  from  that  of 
the  Romanists."  They  then  sent  me  back  to  my 
dungeon.45 

Being  again  ordered  to  be  brought  before  the  inquisi- 
tors, they  insisted  upon  my  letting  them  into  the  secrets 
of  Masonry,  threatening  me,  in  case  I  did  not  comply. 
I  persisted,  as  before,  "  in  refusing  to  break  my  oath  ; 
and  besought  them  either  to  write,  or  give  orders  for 
writing,  to  his  Portuguese  majesty's  ministers,  both  at 
London  and  Paris,  to  know  from  them  whether  anything 
was  ever  done  in  the  assemblies  of  the  Freemasons 
repugnant  to  decency  and  morality,46  to  the  dictates  of 

44  If  a  person  were  known  to  go  to  a  Protestant  place  of  worship,  he  is 
immediately  suspected  of  heresy ;  and  also  if  he  contracts  a  friendship 
with,  or  visits,  or  makes  presents  to,  suspected  persons.  And  it  is  a  very 
serious  crime  to  assist  in  furnishing  persons  accused  by  the  Inquisition 
with  the  means  of  escaping,  although  induced  thereto  by  the  strongest 
ties  of  blood,  or  gratitude,  or  pity.  This  article  is  carried  to  such  lengths 
by  the  inquisitors,  that  persons  are  not  only  forbidden  to  assist  heretics, 
but  are  obliged  to  discover  them,  though  a  father,  brother,  husband,  or 
wife ;  and  this  upon  pain  of  excommunication  ;  and  of  being  obnoxious 
to  the  rigours  of  the  tribunal,  as  fautors  or  abettors  of  heresy. 

46  The  Romish  hierarchy  always  entertained  a  great  jealousy  of  secret 
societies  ;  which  may  be  exemplified  in  the  following  case  :  The  cele- 
brated Baptista  Porta  having  traveled  into  distant  countries  for  scientific 
information,  returned  to  his  native  home,  and  established  a  society,  which 
he  denominated  the  academy  of  secrets.  This  little  fraternity,  instituted 
to  promote  the  advancement  of  science,  soon  fell  under  the  rod  of  eccle- 
siastical oppression  ;  and  experienced,  in  its  dissolution,  that  the  Romish 
hierarchy  was  determined  to  check  the  ardour  of  investigation,  and  retain 
the  human  mind  in  the  fetters  of  ignorance  and  superstition.  How,  then, 
could  Freemasonry  flourish,  when  the  minds  of  men  had  such  an  unfor- 
tunate propensity 'to  monkish  retirement;  and  when  every  scientific  and 
secret  association  was  overawed  and  persecuted  by  the  rulers  of  Europe  ? 
(Laurie,  p.  53.) 

46  As  if  they  cared  either  for  decency  or  morality  !  Gonsalvius  gives 
us  an  example  which  shows  that  vice  is  not  the  object  of  the  inquisi- 


144  SUFFERINGS    OF    COUSTOS 

the  Romish  faith,  or  to  the  obedience  which  every  good 
Christian  owes  to  the  injunctions  of  the  monarch  in 
whose  dominions  he  lives."  I  observed  farther,  "  thai 
the  King  of  France,  who  is  the  eldest  son  of  the  chuivh, 
and  despotic  in  his  dominions,  would  not  have  bid  his 
favourite  enter  into  a  society  proscribed  by  mother- 
church,  had  he  not  been  firmly  persuaded  that  not  1  ling 
was  transacted  in  their  meetings  contrary  to  the  State. 
to  religion,  and  to  the  church."47  I  afterwards  referred 
them  to  Mr.  Dogood,  an  Englishman,  who  was  born  a 
Roman  Catholic,  and  was  a  Freemason.  This  g«nt It- 
man  had  travelled  with,  and  was  greatly  beloved  by, 
Don  Pedro  Antonio,  the  king's  favourite  ;  "and  who,"  I 
observed  farther,  *'  having  settled  a  lodge  in  Lisbon 
fifteen  years  before,  could  acquaint  them,  in  case  he 
thought  proper,  with  the  nature  and  secrets  of  Ma- 
tor's  hatred.  A  poor  inhabitant  of  Seville,  who  supported  his  family  by 
his  daily  labour,  had  the  mortification  to  have  his  wife  kept  forcibly  from 
him  by  a  priest,  which  was  winked  at  by  the  Inquisition.  As  this  man 
was  one  day  talking  with  some  of  his  acquaintances  about  purgatory,  he 
happened  to  say: — "As  to  myself,  I  have  my  purgatory  in  this  world,  by 
my  wife  being  thus  withheld  from  me  by  the  priest."  These  words  In-inl; 
told  to  the  ecclesiastic,  he  impeached  the  husband  to  the  Inquisition,  as 
having  advanced  some  errors  relating  to  the  doctrine  of  purgatory. 
Hereupon  the  inquisitors,  without  once  reproaching  the  priest  for  his 
crime,  seized  the  husband.  The  latter  then  was  imprisoned  for  two 
years ;  and  after  walking  in  the  procession  at  the  first  auto-da-fe,  and 
being  sentenced  to  wear,  during  three  years,  the  san  benito  in  a  private 
prison,  at  the  expiration  of  that  term,  he  was  ordered  either  to  be  con- 
tinued in  prison,  or  to  be  released,  as  the  inquisitors  should  see  fitting. 
These  carried  their  cruelties  to  such  lengths  as  to  confiscate,  to  the  use 
.  of  the  tribunal,  the  little  that  this  unhappy  creature  had  in  the  world, 
and  permitted  the  priest  to  still  enjoy  his  wife,  the  holy  lecher  being  pas- 
sionately fond  of  her. 

47  In  France,  Masonry  flourished  abundantly  at  the  above  period  ;  and 
we  find  an  exalted  Mason  of  that  country  speaking  thus  at  the  initiation 
of  his  son  : — "  I  congratulate  you  on  your  admission  into  the  most  an- 
cient, and  perhaps  the  most  respectable,  society  in  the  universe.  To  you 
the  mysteries  of  Masonry  are  about  to  be  revealed,  and  so  bright  a  sun 
never  shed  its  lustre  on  your  eyes.  Pictures  will  be  opened  to  your 
view,  wherein  true  patriotism  is  exemplified  in  glowing  colours,  and  a 
series  of  transactions  recorded,  which  the  rude  hand  of  time  can  never 
erase.  Should  your  conduct  in  life  correspond  with  the  principles  of 
Masonry,  my  remaining  years  will  pass  away  with  pleasure  and  satisfac- 
tion. For  this  purpose,  recal  to  memory  the  ceremony  of  youi  initiation ; 
learn  to  bridle  your  tongue,  and  to  govern  your  passions ;  and  ere  long 
you  will  have  occasion  to  say — In  becoming  a  Mason  I  truly  became  a 
man ;  and  while  I  breathe  I  will  never  disgrace  a  jewel  that  kings  might 
prize." 


IN    THE    INQUISITION.  145 

sonry."  The  inquisitors  commanded  me  to  be  taken 
back  to  my  dismal  abode. 

Appearing  again  before  them,  they  did-  not  once  men- 
tion the  secrets  of  Masonry  ;  but  took  notice  that  I,  in 
one  of  my  examinations,  had  said  "  that  it  was  a  duty 
incumbent  on  Freemasons  to  assist  the  needy  ;"  upon 
which  they  asked  "  whether  I  had  ever  relieved  a  poor 
object  ?"  I  named  to  them  a  lying-in  woman,  a  Roman- 
ist, who  being  reduced  to  the  extremes  of  misery,  and 
hearing  that  the  Freemasons  were  very  liberal  of  their 
alms,  she  addressed  herself  to  me,  and  I  gave  her  a 
moidore.  I  added,  "  that  the  convent  of  the  Franciscans 
having  been  burnt  down,  the  fathers  made  a.  gathering, 
and  I  gave  them,  upon  the  exchange,  three  quarters  of  a 
moidore."  1  declared  farther,  "  that  a  poor  Roman 
Catholic,  who  had  a  large  family,  and  could  get  no  work, 
being  in  the  utmost  distress,  had  been  recommended  to 
me  by  some  Freemasons,  with  a  request  that  we  would 
make  a  purse  among  ourselves,  in  order  to  set  him  up 
again,  and  thereby  enable  him  to  support  his  family  ; 
that  accordingly  we  raised  among  seven  of  us  who  were 
Freemasons,  ten  moidores,  which  money  I  myself  put 
into  his  hands." 

They  then  asked  me  "  whether  I  had  given  my  own 
money  in  alms  V"  I  replied,  "  that  these  arose  from  the 
forfeits  of  such  Freemasons  as  had  not  attended  properly 
the  meetings  of  the  Brotherhood."  "  What  are  the 
faults,"  said  they,  "  committed  by  your  Brother  Masons 
which  occasion  their  being  fined  ?"  "  Those  who  take 
the  name  of  God  in  vain,  pay  the  quarter  of  a  moidore  ; 
such  as  utter  any  other  oath,  or  pronounce  obscene 
words,  forfeit  a  new  crusade  ;48  all  who  are  turbulent,  or 
refuse  to  obey  the  orders  of  the  Master  of  the  lodge,  are 
likewise  fined."  They  remanded  me  back  to  my  dun- 
geon, having  first  enquired  the  name  and  habitation  of 
the  several  persons  hinted  at  a  little  higher,  on  which 
occasion  I  assured  them  "  that  the  last-mentioned  was 
riot  a  Freemason  ;  and  that  the  Brethren  assisted  indis- 
criminately all  sorts  of  people,  provided  they  were  real 
objects  of  charity." 

I   naturally    concluded,    from    the   behaviour   of   the 

48  A  new  crusade  is  two  shillings  and  sixpence  sterling. 


146  SUFFERINGS    OF    COUSTOS 

inquisitors  at  my  being  brought  before  them  four  days 
after,  that  they  had  enquired  into  the  truth  of  tin? 
several  particulars  related  before.  They  now  did  not 
say  a  word  concerning  Masonry,  but  began  to  work  with 
different  engines. 

They  then  employed  all  the  powers  of  their  rhetoric 
to  prove  "  that  it  became  me  to  consider  my  imprison- 
ment by  order  of  the  holy  office  as  an  effect  of  the 
goodness  of  God,  who,"  added  they,  "  intended  to  bring 
me  to  a  serious  way  of  thinking,  and,  by  this  means, 
lead  me  into  the  paths  of  truth,  in  order  that  I  might 
labour  efficaciously  at  the  salvation  of  my  soul.49  That; 
I  ought  to  know  that  Jesus  Christ  had  said  to  St.  Peter: 
'  Thou  art  Peter,  and  upon  this  rock  I  will  build  my 
church,  and  the  gates  of  hell  shall  not  prevail  against  it,' 
whence  it  was  my  duty  to  obey  the  injunctions  of  his  holi- 
ness, he  beingSt.  Peter's  successor."  I  replied,  with  spirit, 
and  resolution,  that  "  I  did  not  acknowledge  the  Roman 
pontiff,  either  as  successor  to  St.  Peter,  or  as  infallible  ; 
that  I  relied  entirely,  with  regard  to  doctrine,  on  the 
Holy  Scriptures,  these  being  the  sole  guide  of  our  faith. 
I  besought  them  to  let  me  enjoy,  undisturbed,  the  privi- 
leges allowed  the  English  in  Portugal ;  that  I  was 
resolved  to  live  and  die  in  the  communion  of  the  church 
of  England  ;  and,  therefore,  that  all  the  pains  they 
might  take  to  make  a  convert  of  me  would  be  ineffec- 
tual." 

49  If  this  were  the  real  object  of  the  inquisitors,  how  does  it  happen 
that  they  sometimes  wreak  their  vengeance  on  dead  bodies,  from  which 
the  soul  has  departed?  For  it  is  a  melancholy  but  well  attested  fact, 
that  they  prosecute  individuals  who  have  been  dead  for  many  years,  and 
cause  their  bodies  to  be  dug  up  to  answer  the  accusation  ;  which  being 
impossible,  the  bones  are  burnt  at  the  ensuing  auto-da-fe.  Several  in- 
stances of  this  might  be  adduced,  even  in  our  own  highly  favoured  coun- 
try. After  the  accession  of  Queen  Mary,  when  Cardinal  Pole  went  to 
the  university  of  Cambridge,  a  prosecution  was  commenced  against  Burer 
and  Fagius,  both  of  whom  were  dead.  They  were,  however,  cited  by 
two  edicts,  and  various  witnesses  brought  against  them.  When  no  one 
would  undertake  their  defence,  they  were  condemned  for  contumacy, 
(ridiculous  cruelty !)  and  on  the  same  day  sentence  was  pronounced  before 
the  whole  university,  by  which  their  bodies  were  ordered  to  be  dug  up 
and  delivered  to  the  queen's  officers.  An  order  was  afterwards  sent 
from  her  majesty  for  inflicting  the  punishment.  In  fine,  February  6,  the 
bodies  were  dug  up ;  when  a  large  stake  being  fixed  in  the  ground  in 
the  market  place,  the  bodies  were  tied  to  it.  After  this,  the  chests  or 
coffins,  with  the  bodies  in  them,  were  set  up,  being  fastened  on  both 


IN    THE    INQUISITION.  147 

Notwithstanding  the  repeated  declarations  made  by 
me,  that  I  would  never  change  my  religion,  tbe  inquisi- 
tors were  as  urgent  as  ever.  Encouraged  by  the  apostacy 
of  one  of  my  Brother  Masons,  they  flattered  themselves 
with  the  hopes  of  prevailing  upon  me  to  imitate  him  ; 
and,  for  this  purpose,  offered  to  send  some  English  friars 
to  me,  who,  they  said,  would  instruct  me,50  and  so  fully 
open  my  eyes,  that  I  should  have  a  distinct  view  of  my 
wretched  condition,  which,  they  declared,  was.  the  more 
deplorable,  as  I  was  now  wholly  insensible  of  its  danger. 

Finding  me  still  immoveable,  and  that  there  was  no 
possibility  of  their  making  the  least  impression  on  me, 
the  indulgence  which  they  seemed  to  show  at  the  begin- 
ning of  my  examination  was  suddenly  changed  to  fury  ; 
they  venting  the  most  injurious  expressions,  "calling  me 
heretic,  and  saying  that  I  was  damned."51  Here  I  could 
not  forbear  replying,  "  that  I  was  no  heretic  ;  but  would 
prove,  on  the  contrary,  that  they  themselves  were  in. 
error;"  and  now,  raising  their  voice,  "take  care,"  cried 
they,  with  a  tone  of  authority,  "  what  you  say."  "I  ad- 
sides,  and  bound  to  the  post  with  a  long  iron  chain.  The  pile  being 
fired,  a  great  nnmber  of  Protestant  books  were  thrown  into  it,  and  these 
were  soon  consumed.  Not  long  after,  Brookes.  Bishop  of  Gloucester, 
gave  the  like  treatment,  at  Oxford,  to  the  corpse  of  Catharine,  wife  of 
Peter  Martyr,  who,  dying  a  few  years  before,  had  been  buried  in  Christ 
Church,  near  the  remains  of  St.  Fridiswide,  who  .wad  greatly  venerated 
in  that  college  ;  for  the  above  Catharine  being  convicted  of  entertaining 
the  same  opinions  as  her  husband,  her  dead  body  was  dug  up,  and  cast 
upon  a  dunghill.  In  Queen  Elizabeth's  reign,  however,  her  corpse  was 
taken  from  the  dunghill  by  order  of  Archbishop  Parker,  and  buried  in 
its  former  place. 

50  The  friars  were  as  much  under  the  supervision  of  the  Inquisition  as 
any  other  class  ;  for,  being  delegated  by  the  pope,  for  the  general  purpose 
of  extirpating  heresy,  they  were  empowered  to  prosecute  friars,  as  well 
as  any  other  order  of  men.     And,  as  we  have  already  observed,  they  did 
not  hesitate  to  indict  kings  and  princes,  if  they  stood  in  the  way  of  their 
ambition.     On. such  occasions,  however,  his  holiness  was  always  con- 
sulted ;  not  out  of  respect  to  the  high  station  of  the  person  accused,  but 
lest  they  should  exasperate  the  ruling  powers,  and  bring  themselves  into 
trouble.     In  a  word,  no  person  is  safe  from  the  designs  of  this  tribunal 
how  great  soever  his  power  may  be,  if  he  should  speak  contemptuously  ot 
the  Inquisition,  which  is  a  more  unpardonable  crime  even  than  heresy. 

51  In  fact,  if  the  poor  fellow  had  been  actually  converted  to  their 
opinions,  he  would  not  have  derived  any  benefit  from  the  change  ;  for 
such  a  convert  is  held  in  abhorrence  by  the  inquisitors.     And  as  his 
accuser,  witnesses,  and  himself,  are  not  brought  lace  to  face,  his  inno- 
cence is  of  no  service ;  and  it  frequently  happens  that  confession  becomes 
the  engine  of  his  ruin. 

7* 


148  SUFFERINGS    OF    COUSTOS 

vance  nothing,"  replied  I,  "  but  what  I  am  able  to  prove. 
Do  you  believe,"  continued  I,  "  that  the  words  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  as  found  in  the  New  Testament,  are 
true."  They  answered  in  the  affirmative.  "But  what 
inference,"  said  they,  "do  you  draw  from  l  hence  V"  "  1  >e 
so  good,"  I  added,  "  as  to  let  me  have  a  Bible,  and  I  will 
inform  you  concerning  this."  I  then  laid  before  them 
the  passage  where  our  Saviour  says  thus  : — "  Search  the 
scriptures,  for  in  them  ye  think  ye  have  eternal  life,  and 
they  are  they  which  testify  of  me."52  Likewise  the 
following: — "We  also  have  a  more  sure  word  of  pro- 
phecy, whereunto  ye  do  well  that  you  take  heed."33 
"And  yet,"  said  I,  "  both  the  pope  and  your  lordships 
forbid  the  perusal  of  them;  and  thereby  act  in  direct 
opposition  to  the  express  command  of  the  Saviour  of  the 
world."  To  this  the  inquisitors  replied: — "  That  I  ought 
to  call  to  mind,  that  our  Saviour  says  to  St.  Peter,  and  in 
his  name  to  all  the  popes  his  successors,  '  I  will  give  unto 
thee  the  keys  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven  ;  and  whatsoever 
thou  shalt  bind  on  earth,  shall  be  bound  in  heaven  ;  and 
whatsoever  thou  shalt  loose  on  earth  shall  be  loosed  in 
heaven.'54  That  none  but  a  heretic,  like  myself,  would 
dare  to  dispute  the  authority  and  infallibility  of  the  pope, 
who  is  Christ's  vicar  here  below ;  that  the  reason  of  not 
allowing  the  perusal  of  this  book  wras,  to  prevent  the 
common  people  from  explaining  the  obscure  passages 
contained  therein  contrary  to  their  true  sense;  as  was 
daily  the  practice  of  schismatics  and  heretics,  like  my- 
self."55 I  shall  omit  the  other  controversial  points  that 
afterwards  occurred,  all  which  I  answered  to  the  best  of 
my  slender  abilities. 

One  thing  I  can  assure  my  reader  is,  that  the  inquisi- 
tors were  not  able  to  alter,  in  any  manner,  the  firm  re- 
solution I  had  taken,  to  live  and  die  a  Protestant ;  on  the 
contrary,  I  can  affirm,  that  their  remonstrances,  and  even 

52  John  v.  39. 

53  Peter  i.  19.  «  Matthew  xvi.  19. 

65  This  was  mere  verbiage ;  because  the  infallibility  of  the  pope  is  fully 
admitted,  not  only  by  the  inquisitors,  but  by  all  other  Roman  Catholics ; 
and  therefore  no  charge  could  be  founded  upon  it.  The  evident  fact  is, 
that  whatever  arguments  they  might  use,  their  purpose  was  evidently  to 
bring  poor  Coustos  into  condemnation,  because  he  was  in  possession  of 
a  secret,  and  they  were  determined  that  no  one  should  possess  a  secret  but 
themselves. 


IN    THE    INQUISITION.  14S 

menaces,  served  only  to  strengthen  my  resistance,  and 
furnish  me  abundant  proofs  to  refute,  with  vigour,  all  the 
arguments  offered  by  them. 

I  acknowledge  that  I  owe  this  wholly  to  the  Divine 
Goodness,  which  graciously  condescended  to  support  me 
under  these  violent  trials,  and  enabled  me  to  presevere 
to  the  end;  for  this  I  return  unfeigned  thanks  to  the 
Almighty  ;  and  hope  to  give,  during  the  remainder  of  my 
life,  convincing  testimonies  of  the  strong  impression 
which  those  trials  made  on  my  mind,  by  devoting  myself 
sincerely  to  the  duties  of  religion. 

I  was  ordered  back,  by  the  inquisitors,  to  my  dismal 
abode,  after  they  had  declared  to  me,  "that  if  I  turned 
Roman  Catholic,  it  wou4d  be  of  great  advantage  to  my 
cause ;  otherwise  that  I  perhaps  might  repent  of  my 
obstinacy  when  it  was  too  late."  I  replied,  in  a  respect- 
ful mariner,  that  I  could  not  accept  of  their  offers. 

A  few  days  after,  I  was  again  brought  before  the  pre- 
sident of  the  holy  office,  who  said: — "That  the  proc- 
tor56 would  read,  in  presence  of  the  court,  the  heads  of 
the  indictment  or  charge  brought  against  me."  The  in- 
quisitors now  offered  me  a  counsellor,  in  case  I  desired 
one,  to  plead  my  cause.57 

Being  sensible  that  the  person  whom  they  would  send 
me  for  this  purpose  was  himself  an  inquisitor,  I  chose 
rather  to  make  my  own  defence,  in  the  best  manner 
I  could.  I,  therefore,  desired  "  that  leave  might  be 
granted  me  to  deliver  my  defence  in  writing;"  but  this 
they  refused,  saying,  "that  the  holy  office  did  not  allow 
prisoners  the  use  of  pen,  ink,  and  paper."  I  then  begged 
they  would  permit  me  to  dictate  my  justification,  in 
their  presence,  to  any  person  whom  they  should  appoint, 
which  favour  was  granted  me. 

56  A  proctor  is  much  the  same  in  the  ecclesiastical  as  an  attorney  is  in 
the  civil  courts.  His  business  is  to  see  that  the  church  discipline  be 
strictly  maintained,  and  to  bring  the  disobedient  to  punishment. 

67  Counsellors  and  assessors  in  Roman  Catholic  countries  are  persons 
skilled  in  the  canon  and  in  civil  law.  The  inquisitors  consult  them  on 
all  doubtful  points  ;  but  follow  their  opinions  no  farther  than  they  think 
proper.  When  a  counsellor  is  offered  to  an  accused  person,  it  is  gene- 
rally done  with  a  view  of  entrapping  him  into  a  confidential  communica- 
tion, which  is  always  imparted  to  the  judges,  who  make  use  of  these 
persons  to  give  authority  to  their  decision,  that  the  public  nifty  be  induced 
*;o  believe  that  it  is  according  to  law. 


150  SUFFERINGS    OF    COUSTO8 

The  heads  of  the  charge  or  indictment  brought  against 
me,  were — "  That  I  had  infringed  the  pope's  orders,  by 
belonging  to  the  sect  of  the  Freemasons,  this  sect  being 
a  horrid  compound  of  sacrilege,  and  many  other  abomin- 
able crimes;  of  which  the  inviolable  M-rrecy  observed 
therein,  and  the  exclusion  of  women,  were  but  too  mani- 
fest indications — a  circumstance  that  gave  the  highrst 
offence  to  the  whole  kingdom  ;  and  the  said  Coustos  hav- 
ing refused  to  discover  to  the  inquisitors,  the  true  ten- 
dency and  design  of  the  meetings  of  Freemasons,  and 
persisting,  on  the  contrary,  in  asserting  that  Freemasonry 
was  good  in  itself;  wherefore  the  proctor  of  the  Inquisi- 
tion requires,  that  the  said  prisoner  may  be  prosecuted 
with  the  utmost  rigour;  and,  for  this  purpose,  desires 
the  court  would  exert  its  whole  authority,  and  even  pro- 
ceed to  tortures,  to  extort  from  him  a  confession,  viz., 
that  the  several  articles  of  which  he  stands  accused  are 
true." 

The  inquisitors  then  gave  me  the  above  heads,  ordenng 
me  to  sign  them,  which  I  absolutely  refused.  They 
thereupon  commanded  me  to  be  taken  back  to  my  dun- 
geon, without  permitting  me  to  say  a  single  word  in  my 
justification. 

I  now  had  but  too  much  leisure  to  reflect  on  their 
menaces,  and  to  cast  about  for  answers  to  the  several 
articles  concerning  Masonry,  whereof  I  stood  accused; 
all  which  articles  I  remembered  but  too  well. 

Six  weeks  after,  I  appeared  in  presence  of  two  inquisi- 
tors, and  the  person  whom  they  had  appointed  to  take 
down  my  defence ;  which  was  little  more  than  a  reca- 
pitulation of  what  I  before  had  asserted  with  regard  to 
Masonry. 

"Your  prisoner,"  said  I  to  them,  "is  deeply  afflicted 
and  touched  to  the  soul,  to  find  himself  accused  (by  the 
ignorance  or  malice  of  his  enemies)  in  an  infernal  charge 
or  indictment,  before  the  lords  of  the  holy  office,  for 
having  practised  the  art  of  Freemasonry,  which  has  been, 
and  is  still,  revered,  not  only  by  a  considerable  number 
of  persons  of  the  highest  quality  in  Christendom,  but 
likewise  by  several  sovereign  princes  and  crowned  heads, 
who,  so  far  from  disdaining  to  become  members  of  this 
society,  submitted,  engaged,  and  obliged  themselves,  at 
their  admission,  to  observe  religiously  the  constitutions 


IN    THE    INQUISITION.  151 

of  this  noble  art;  noble,  not  only  on  account  of  the 
almost  infinite  number  of  illustrious  personages  who 
profess  it,  but  still  more  so,  from  the  sentiments  of  hu- 
manity with  which  it  equally  inspires  the  rich  and  poor, 
the  nobleman  and  artificer,  the  .prince  and  subject;  for 
these,  when  met  together,  are  upon  a  level  as  to  rank; 
are  all  Brethren,  and  conspicuous  only  from  their  superi- 
ority in  virtue  ;  in  fine,  this  art  is  noble  from  the  chanty 
which  the  society  of  Freemasons  professedly  exercises, 
and  from  the  fraternal  love  with  which  it  strongly  binds 
and  cements  together  the  several  individuals  who  com- 
pose it,  without  any  distinction  as  to  religion  or  birth. 

"  Your  prisoner  thinks  it  very  hard,  to  find  himself  thus 
become  the  victim  of  this  tribunal,  merely  because  he 
belongs  to  so  venerable  a  society.  The  rank  and  exalted 
dignity  of  many,  who  have  been,  and  still  are,  members 
thereof,  should  be  considered  as  faithful  and  speaking 
witnesses,  now  pleading  in  his  defence,  as  well  as  in  that 
of  the  Brotherhood,  so  unjustly  accused. 

"  Further,  could  any  one  suppose,  without  showing 
the  greatest  rashness,  or  being  guilty  of  the  highest 
injustice,  that  Christian  princes,  who  are  Christ's  vice- 
gerents upon  earth,  would  not  only  tolerate,  in  their 
dominions,  a  sect  that  should  favour  the  abominable 
crimes  of  which  this  tribunal  accuses  it,  but  even  be 
accomplices  therein,  by  entering  into  the  society  in 
question.58 

"  What  I  have  said  above,  should  be  more  than  suffi- 
cient to  convince  your  lordships  that  you  are  quite 
misinformed  as  to  Masonry,  and  oblige  you  to  stop  all 


58  The  Roman  pontiffs  employed  every  expedient  to  increase  their 
authority ;  and  for  that  purpose  they  refused  to  tolerate  Freemason ry, 
because  its  free  principles  interfered  with  their  views  of  universal  do- 
minion Proclaiming  themselves  the  successors  of  St.  Peter,  they  assumed 
an  holiness  and  power  superior  to  that  of  the  apostles.  Monarehs, 
blinded  in  an  ignorant  age  with  these  pretensions,  strove  to  rival  one 
another  in  bestowing  privileges  on  the  popes,  that  they  might  obtair 
their  favour,  until  they  had  elevated  them  to  the  piuuucle  of'greatuess, 
and  found,  when  it  was  too  late,  that  they  had  become  slaves  to  the  papal 
power.  Some  of  these  princes  were  desirous  of  retracing  their  steps,  and 
for  that  purpose  offered  some  insistence  to  the  holy  father's  will,  and  were 
immediately  declared  heretics,  and  excommunicated  ;  and  if  they  per- 
sisted in  their  opposition  they  were  dethroned,  and  their  dominions  given 
to  others,  who  promised  obedience  to  the  see  of  Rome. 


152  SUFFERINGS    OF    COUSTOS 

prosecution  against  me.  However,  I  will  here  add 
some  remarks,  in  order  to  corroborate  my  former  asser- 
tions, and  destroy  the  bad  impressions  tlnet  may  have 
been  made  on  your  lordships'  minds  concerning  Free- 
masonry. 

"  The  very  strict  inquiry  made  into  the  past  life  and 
conduct  of  all  persons  that  desire  to  be  received  among 
the  Brotherhood,  and  who  are  never  admitted,  except  the 
strongest  and  most  indisputable  testimonies  are  given,  of 
their  having  lived  irreproachably,  are  further  indications 
that  this  society  is  no  ways  guilty  of  the  crimes  with 
which  it  is  charged  by  your  tribunal ;  the  utmost  pre- 
cautions being  taken  to  expel  from  this  society,  not  only 
wicked  wretches,  but  even  disorderly  persons. 

"  The  works  of  charity,  which  the  Brotherhood  think 
it  incumbent  on  themselves  to  exercise  towards  such  as 
are  real  objects  of  compassion,  and  whereof  I  have  given 
your  lordships  some  few  instances,  show,  likewise,  that  it 
is  morally  impossible  for  a  society  so  execrable  as  you 
have  described  that  of  the  Freemasons  to  be,  to  practise 
a  virtue  so  generally  neglected,  and  so  opposite  to  the 
love  of  riches,  at  this  time  the  predominant  vice — the  root 
of  all  evil. 

"  Besides,  wicked  wretches  set  all  laws  at  defiance, 
despise  kings,  and  the  magistrates  established  by  them 
for  the  due  administration  of  justice.  Abandoned  men, 
such  as  those  hinted  at  here,  foment  insurrections  and 
rebellions;  whereas  Freemasons  pay  an  awful  regard  to 
the  prince  in  whose  dominions  they  live,  yield  implicit 
obedience  to  his  laws,  and  revere,  in  the  magistrates,  the 
sacred  person  of  the  king,  by  whom  they  were  nominated ; 
rooting  up,  to  the  utmost  of  their  power,  every  seed  of 
sedition  and  rebellion;  and  being  ready,  at  all  times,  to 
venture  their  lives,  for  the  security  both  of  the  prince 
and  of  his  government. 

"  Wicked  wretches,  when  got  together,  not  only  take 
perpetually  the  name  of  God  in  vain,  but  blaspheme  and 
deny  him;  whereas  the  Freemasons  punish  very  severely, 
not  only  swearers,  but  likewise  such  as  utter  obscene 
words ;  and  expel  from  their  society  all  persons  hardened 
in  those  vices.39 

88  Because  the  discipline  of  Freemason^  positively  prohibits  such  per- 


IN    THE    INQUISITION.  153 

'*  Wicked  wretches  contemn  religions  of  every  kind, 
turn  them  into  ridicule,  and  speak  in  terms  u worthy  of 
the  Deity  worshipped  in  them.  But  the  Freemasons,  on 
the  contrary,  observing  a  respectful  silence  on  this  occa- 
sion, never  quarrel  with  the  religious  principles  of  any 
person,  but  live  together  in  fraternal  love,  which  a  dif- 
ference in  opinion  can  no  ways  lessen." — I  closed  my 
defence  with  the  four  lines  following,  composed  by  a 
Freemason : — 

Through  trackless  paths  each  Brother  strays, 

And  nought  sinister  can  entice ; 
Now  temples  we  to  virtue  raise  ; 

Now  dungeons  sink — fit  place  for  vice. 

To  which  I  added  (in  my  own  mind) — 

But  here,  the  contrary  is  found  ; 

Injustice  reigns,  and  killing  dread  ; 
In  rankling  chains  bright  virtue's  bound, 

And* vice,  with  triumph,  lifts  its  head. 

"Such,  my  lords."  continued  I,  "are  our  true  and 
genuine  secrets.  I  now  wait,  with  all  possible  resigna- 
tion, for  whatever  you  shall  think  proper  -to  decree ;  but 
still  hope,  from  your  equity  and  justice,  that  you  will 
not  pass  sentence  upon  me,  as  though  I  was  guilty  of 
the  crimes  mentioned  in  the  indictment ;  upon  the  vain 
pretence,  that  inviolable  secrecy  can  be  observed  in  such 
things  only  as  are  of  a  criminal  nature."60 

I  was  remanded  back  to  my  usual  scene  of  woe,  with- 
out being  able  to  guess  what  impression  my  defence 
might  have  made  on  my  judges.  A  few  days  after  I  was 
brought  before  his  eminence  Cardinal  da  Cunha,  inquisi- 

sons  from  being  members  of  the  society.  It  unites  duty  and  interest  in 
an  indissoluble  chain  of  sincere  affection.  It  teaches  its  votaries,  with 
one  heart  and  one  mind,  to  lift  up  their  eyes  to  the  sovereign  Disposer 
of  events,  humbly  imploring  His  most  gnacious  assistance  in  all  our 
endeavours  to  practise  the  true  principles  of  the  Order,  by  alleviating  the 
distresses  of  the  indigent,  and  dispensing  joy  and  happiness  to  our  fellow- 
creatures. 

83  It  may  be  necessary  to  remark,  at  this  point,  that  the  several  officers 
of  this  tribunal  make  oath,  that  they  will  faithfully  discharge  the  duties 
of  their  employment,  by  affording  the  prisoner  every  facility  to  prove  his 
innocence;  not  to  divulge  the  most  minute  particular  relating  to  the 
Inquisition  or  its  prisons,  on  any  pretence  whatever,  on  pain  of  the  most 
severe  punishment.  On  these  occasions  no  excuse  whatever  is  admitted, 
secresy  being  the  very  soul  a^d  support  of  the  institution. 


154  SUFFERINGS    OF    COUSTOS 

tor  and  director  general  of  all  the  Inquisitions  dependent 
on  the  Portuguese  monarchy.61 

The  presfderit,  directing  himself  to  me,  declared — 
"  That  the  holy  tribunal  was  assembled  purposely  to  hear 
and  determine  rny  cause;  that  I  therefore  should  exam- 
ine my  own  mind,  and  see  whether  I  had  no  other  argu- 
ments to  offer  in  my  justification."  I  replied—"  That  I 
had  none;  but  relied  wholly  on  their  rectitude  and 
equity."  Having  spoken  these  words,  they  sent  me  back 
to  rny  sad  abode,  and  judged  me  among  themselves. 

Some  time  after,  the  president  sent  for  me  again  ; 
when,  being  brought  before  him,  he  ordered  a  paper, 
containing  part  of  my  sentence,  to  be  read.  I  thereby 
was  doomed  to  suffer  the  tortures  employed  by  the  holy 
office,  for  refusing  to  tell  the  truth,  as  they  falsely 
affirmed  ;  for  my  not  discovering  the  secrets  of  Masonry, 
with  the  true  tendency  and  purpose  of  the  meetings  of 
ibo  Brethren.82 

I  hereupon  was  instantly  conveyed  to  the  torture- 
room,  built  in  form  of  a  square  tower,  where  no  Hgh- 
appeared,  but  what  two  candles  gave ;  and,  to  prevent 
the  dreadful  cries  and  shocking  groans  of  the  unhappy 
victims  from  reaching  the  ears  of  the  other  prisoners,  the 
doors  are  lined  with  a  sort  of  quilt. 

The  reader  will  naturally  suppose  that  I  must  be 
seized  with  horror,  when,  at  my  entering  this  infernal 
place,  I  saw  myself,  on  a  sudden,  surrounded  by  six 


61  There  is  a  supreme  council  held  in  Lisbon,  to  which  all  the  other 
Portuguese  Inquisitions  are  subordinate.     This  tribunal  consists  of  ar 
inquisitor-general,  who  is  appointed  by  the  king,  and  confirmed  by  the 
pope     He  is  empowered  to  nominate  the  inquisitors  in  all  the  countries 
dependent  on  the  crown  of  Portugal ;   nor  can  any  auto-da-fe  be  sol- 
emnized without  his  knowledge  and  concurrence.     From  this  supreme 
council  there  is  no  appeal.     It  makes  new  laws  at  pleasure  ;  determines 
all  suits  and  contests  arising  between  the  inquisitors  ;  punishes  the  min- 
isters and  officers  of  the  Inquisition  ;  in  a  word,  the  authority  of  this  tri- 
bunal is  so  great,  that  every  one  trembles  at  its  name ;  and  even  the  king 
himself  does  not  dare  to  complain  of  its  decisions. 

62  It  is  not  wonderful  that  this  poor  fellow  was  subjected  to  the  torture, 
because  one  of  the  avowed  maxims  of  the  Inquisition  is  to  strike  terror 
into  every  one  that  comes  under  its  clutches ;  and,  for  this  purpose,  it 
usually  punishes  with  the  utmost  severity  those  who  will  not  confess 
what  is  laid  to  their  charge,  even  though  they  are  perfectly  innocent. 
The  inquisitors  are  baffled  by  what  they  call  the  obstinacy  of  the  prisoner, 
and  they  wreak  their  vengeance  by  torture. 


IN    THE    INQUISITION.  155 

wretches,  who,  after  preparing  the  tortures,  stripped  me 
naked,  all  to  my  linen  drawers  ;  when,  laying  rne  on  my 
back,  they  began  to  lay  hold  of  every  part  of  my  body. 
First,  they  put  round  my  neck  an  iron  collar,  which  was 
fastened  to  the  scaifold  ;  they  then  fixed  a  ring  to  each 
foot :  and  this  being  done,  they  stretched  my  limbs  with 
all  their  might.  They  next  wound  two  ropes  round  each 
arm,  and  two  round  each  thigh,  which  ropes  passed  un- 
der the  scaffold,  through  holes  made  for  that  purpose  ; 
and  were  all  drawn  tight,  at  the  same  time,  by  four  men, 
upon  a  signal  made  for  this  purpose.63 

The  reader  will  believe  that  my  pains  must  be  intoler- 
able, when  I  solemnly  declare,  that  these  ropes,  which 
were  of  the  size  of  one's  little  finger,  pierced  through 
my  flesh  quite  to  the  bone,  making  the  blood  gush  out 
at  the  eight  different  places  that  were  thus  bound.64  As 

83  This  was  done  for  the  purpose  of  extorting  a  confession,  on  which 
they  might  act  with  some  appearance  of  justice.  And  it  sometimes 
happens,  that  though  the  prisoners  should  comply  with  everj  request, 
and  impeach  all  who  are  charged  with  the  same  offence,  it  often  hap- 
pens that  they  are  delivered  over  to  the  secular  arm  as  diminutos, 
merely  for  omitting  to  name  persons  with  whom  they  had  not  the 
slightest  acquaintance.  A  most  horrible  instance  of  this  is  found  in 
the  case  of  George  Francis  Mela,  who,  having  been  seized  by  the  in- 
quisitors of  Devora,  made  an  accusation  under  torture  of  all  the  per- 
sons whose  names  he  could  recollect,  to  the  number  of  five  hundred. 
He  had  a  daughter  who  was  a  nun  in  the  convent  Delia  Speranza,  of 
the  same  city,  and  whenever  he  went  to  see  her,  it  was  always  in  the 
presence  of  some  of  the  nuns.  The  unfortunate  father  determined  to 
comply  with  all  the  commands  of  the  inquisitors,  under  a  promise  of 
being  released  from  prison,  impeached  his  wife,  his  brothers,  his  chil- 
dren, and,  amongst  the  rest,  the  nun.  After  going  to  these  dreadful 
lengths,  and  when  he  expected  to  be  delivered,  the  inquisitors  quietly 
told  him  that  he  was  condemned  as  a  diminuto.  Finding  himself 
deceived,  and  that  he  must  suifer,  he  recanted  all  that  he  had  said,  and 
declared  that  he  had  made  those  depositions  only  on  the  solemn  pro- 
mise of  the  inquisitors  thathe  should  be  emancipated  from  confinement. 

64  Dean  Kirvvan  says  : — "  There  is  no  species  of  history  which  a  bene- 
volent man  reads  with  more  distress  to  his  feelings  than  the  history  of 
the  cliurch.  One  shudders  to  think  what  scenes  of  blood  and  discord 
have  existed  at  different  times  in  the  world,  under  the  pretext  of  divine 
authority ;  various  and  discordant  parties  of  Christians  labouring  to 
annoy  and  exterminate  each  another,  like  wild  beasts,  with  unwearied 
perseverance  and  every  circumstance  of  the  most  refined  barbarity  ;  the 
very  shout  of  persecution  and  intolerance  issuing  from  the  pulpit  of 
God,  and  the  spirit  and  dye  of  the  Koran  transplanted  into  the  gospel 
of  peace.  But  as  well  might  God  himself  be  made  responsible  for 
such  horrors,  as  the  law,  which  expressly  reproves  and  condemns  them. 


156  SUFFERINGS    OF   COU8TO8 

I  persisted  in  refusing  to  discover  any  more  than  what 
has  been  seen  in  the  interrogatories  above,  tlr 
were  thus  drawn  together  four  different  timo<.  At  my 
side  stood  a  physician  and  surgeon,  who  often  fell  my 
temples,  to  judge  of  the  danger  I  might  be  in  :  by  whiHi 
means  my  tortures  were  suspended,  at  intervals,  that 
I  might  have  an  opportunity  of  recovering  myself  a 
little.'65 

Whilst  I  was  thus  suffering  they  were  so  barbarou.-ly 
unjust  as  to  declare,  that  were  I  to  die  under  the  tortn; •••. 
I  should  be  guilty,  by  my  obstinacy,  of  self-murder.  In 
fine,  the  last  time  the  ropes  were  drawn  tight,  I  grew  so 
exceedingly  weak,  occasioned  by  the  blood's  circulation 
being  stopped,  and  the  pains  I  endured,  that  I  fainted 
quite  away  ;  insomuch  that  I  was  carried  back  to  my 
dungeon,  without  my  once  perceiving  it.66 


Let  the  answer  be  recollected  which  our  blessed  Lord  made  to  his 
disciples,  when  they  required  him,  in  the  true  spirit  of  sanguinary 
bigotry,  to  command  fire  from  heaven  for  the  destruction  of  a  Samaritan 
village,  he  said  : — '  Ye  know  not  what  manner  of  spirit  ye  are  of!'  The 
Son  of  Man  came  not  to  inspire  principles  of  hatred  and  disunion,  or 
cruelty  and  revenge ;  but  to  fill  the  human  bosom  with  mutual  for- 
bearance and  affection."  (Sermons,  p.  190.) 

85  A  most  horrible  account  is  on  record  of  a  poor  girl,  Mary,  the 
daughter  of  Emanuel  Soares,  which  may  serve  to  illustrate  the  above  ac- 
count. After  having  constantly  persisted  in  declaring  her  innocence,  she 
was  at  last  put  to  the  torture,  which  she  bore  very  courageously  for  a 
while ;  but  being  overcome  with  the  torments,  she  accused  herself  of  being 
a  Jewess.  Upon  this  she  was  unbound,  and  suffered  to  put  on  her  clothes, 
in  order  to  complete  her  confession.  But  instead  of  persisting  in  what 
she  had  declared,  she  protested  that  all  she  had  said  upon  the  rack  was 
untrue ;  that  she  was  an  old  Christian,  and  the  sole  motive  why  she  ac- 
cused herself  was,  lest  she  should  die  under  the  torture.  She  was  thm 
remanded  back  to  prison  ;  and  a  few  days  afterwards,  was  again  put  to 
the  torture,  when  she  again  accused  herself;  and  being  accordingly  un- 
loosed, and  carried  before  the  inquisitors,  she  persisted  in  her  innocence, 
and  told  them  that  it  would  be  useless  putting  her  to  the  torture,  since 
she  should  certainly  accuse  herself  falsely  to  escape  it.  She  was,  how- 
ever, again  put  upon  the  rack  ;  after  which  she  was  condemned  to  be 
whipped  publicly  through  the  streets,  and  then  banished  for  ten  years. 

66  Severe  and  disgusting  as  the  above  account  may  appear,  it  is  said  to 
be  exceeded  by  the  Inquisition,  which  was  established  in  the  East  Indies. 
The  Jesuits  themselves  thus  speak  of  it  in  their  universal  Latin  and 
French  Dictionary,  printed  at  Trevoux  : —  '  The  Inquisition,"  they  say. 
"  is  very  severe  in  India  ;  for  although  a  man  cannot  absolutely  be  con- 
demned, except  by  the  testimony  of  seven  witneyses,  yet  the  depositions 
of  slaves  and  young  children  are  admitted.  The  prisoner  is  compelled  to 
accuse  himself,  and  is  never  confronted  with  those  who  swear  against  hiui. 
tf  a  person  happens  to  drop  the  slightest  word  against  the  church,  or  its 


IN    THE    INQUISITION.  157 

These  barbarians,  finding  that  the  tortures  above  de- 
scribed could  not  extort  any  further  discovery  from  me, 
but  that  the  more  they  made  me  suffer,  the  more  fer- 
vently I  addressed  my  supplications  for  patience  to  hea- 
ven :  they  were  so  inhuman,  six  weeks  after,  as  to  ex- 
pose me  to  another  kind  of  torture,  more  grievous,  if 
possible,  than  the  former.67  They  made  me  stretch  my 
arms  in  such  a  manner,  that  the  paJms  of  my  hands  were 
turned  outward  ;  when,  by  the  help  of  a  rope  that  fast- 
ened them  together  at  the  wrist,  and  which  they  turned 
by  an  engine,  they  drew  them  gently  nearer  to  one  an- 
other behind,  in  such  a  manner  that  the  back  of  each 
hand  touched,  and  stood  exactly  parallel  one  to  the  other, 
whereby  both  my  shoulders  were  dislocated,  and  a  con- 
siderable quantity  of  blood  issued  from  my  mouth.  This 
torture  was  repeated  thrice  ;  after  which  I  was  again 
taken  to  my  dungeon,  and  put  into  the  hands  of  physi- 
cians and  surgeons,  who,  in  setting  my  bones,  put  me  to 
exquisite  pain. 

Two  months  after,  being  a  little  recovered,  I  was  again 
conveyed  to  the  torture-room,  and  there  made  to  under- 
go another  kind  of  punishment  twice.68  The  reader  may 


ordinances,  even  in  private  conversation ;  or  does  not  speak  with  suffi- 
cient reverence  of  the  Inquisition,  he  is  sure  to  be  impeached,  and,  if 
once  impeached,  his  chances  of  escape  are  very  trifling  indeed." 

67  They  justified  their  cruelties  by  such  arguments  as  these : — that  in 
the  Mosaic  law  blasphemers  were  condemned  to  be  put  to  death  ;  and 
that,  therefore,  they  were  obeying  the  will  of  God  by  slaying  heretics, 
who  blasphemed  the  body  of  Christ,  and  called  it  only  a  piece  of  bread ; 
that  it  became  Christians  to  be  more  zealous  for  the  true  religion  than 
heathens  for  the  false  ;  that  St.  Peter,  by  a  divine  power,  destroyed  An- 
anias and  Sapphira ;  and  that  St.  Paul  said  : — "  I  would  they  were  cut 
off  that  trouble  you."     How  weak  soever  these  arguments  may  appear, 
they  were  used  to  justify  the  destruction  of  heretics,  which  was  nence 
thought  to  be  a  proceeding  with  which  God  was  well  pleased. 

68  However  heartless  and  unjust  the  above  account  may  appear,  it  is 
not  unparalleled  in  the  history  of  persecution.    Joseph  Pereira  Meneses, 
captain-general  of  his  Portuguese  majesty's  fleets  in  India,  was  ordered 
by  the  governor  of  Goa  to  sail  with  his  fleet  to  the  succour  of  the  city 
of  Diu,  then  besieged  by  the  Arabs.     Being  detained  by  contrary  winds, 
the  Arabs  took  and  plundered  the  city  before  his  arrival.    The  governor 
of  Goa  being  his  enemy,  seized  him  on  his  return,  and  condemned  him  to 
death,  on  the  charge  of  cowardice.     But  not  being  able  to  put  him  to 
death  without  an  express  order  from  the  court  of  Portugal,  he  led  him 
through  the  streets  publicly,  with  a  herald  walking  before,  proclaiming 
him  a  coward  and  a  traitor  ;  and  afterwards  denounced  him  to  the  In- 
quisition, who  overwhelmed  him  with  an  abundance  of  other  charges, 


158  SUFFERINGS    OF   COUSTOS 

judge  of  its  horror,  from  the  following  description 
thereof : 

The  torturers  turned  twice  round  my  body  a  thick 
iron  chain,  which,  crossing  upon  my  stomach,  terminated 
afterwards  at  my  wrists.  They  next  set  my  back  against 
a  thick  board,  at  each  extremity  whereof  was  a  pulley, 
through  which  there  run  a  rope,  that  catched  the  m<!- 
of  the  chains  at  my  wrists.  The  tormentors  then  stretch- 
ing these  ropes,  by  means  of  a  roller,  pressed  or  bruisi-d 
my  stomach,  in  proportion  as  the  ropes  were  drawn 
tighter.  They  tortured  me  on  this  occasion  to  such  a 
degree,  that  my  wrists  and  shoulders  were  put  out  of 
joint. 

The  surgeons,  however,  set  them  presently  after  ;  but 
the  barbarians,  not  having  yet  satiated  their  cruelly, 
made  me  undergo  this  torture  a  second  time,  which  1 
did  with  fresh  pains,  though  with  equal  constancy  and 
resolution.  I  then  was  remanded  back  to  my  dungeon, 
attended  by  the  surgeons,  who  dressed  my  bruises  ; 
and  here  I  continued  till  their  auto-da-fe,  or  gaol  de- 
livery.69 


and  condemned  him  to  be  burned  alive.  It  appears,  however,  that  he 
had  a  friend  in  one  of  the  inquisitors,  who  took  such  steps  as  proved 
the  accusations  against  him  to  be  false,  and  he  was  accordingly  libe- 
rated at  the  next  auto-da-fe,  but  found  himself  stripped  of  all  his  pos- 
sessions and  quite  ruined. 

6'J  Coustos  describes  this  auto-da-fe  as  follows : — "  The  prisoners  being 
habited  in  the  san  benitos  and  pyramidal  caps,  the  procession  opened 
with  the  Dominican  friars,  preceded  by  the  banner  of  their  order.  Then 
came  the  banner  and  crucifix  of  the  Inquisition,  which  was  followed  i  >y 
the  criminals,  each  walking  between  two  familiars.  It  proceeded  rouud 
the  court  of  the  chief  inquisitor's  palace,  in  the  presence  of  the  king  and 
his  whole  court ;  and  then  along  one  of  the  sides  of  Rocio  Square,  and 
went  down  Odreyros  Street ;  when,  returning  by  Escudeyros  Street,  and 
up  another  side  of  Rocio  Square,  they  came,  at  last,  to  St.  Dominic's 
church,  which  was  hung,  from  top  to  bottom,  with  red  and  yellov,  t  ;• 
try.  Before  the  high  altar  was  built  an  amphitheatre,  with  a  pretty 
considerable  number  of  steps,  in  order  to  seat  all  the  prisoners  and  their 
attendant  familiars.  Opposite  was  raised  another  greater  altar,  after  the 
Romish  fashion,  on  which  was  placed  a  crucifix,  surrounded  with  seve- 
ral lighted  tapers  and  mass-books.  To  the  right  of  this  was  a  pulpit, 
and  to  the  left  a  gallery,  magnificently  adorned,  for  the  king,  the  royal 
family,  the  great  men  of  the  kingdom,  and  the  foreign  ministers  to  sit  in. 
To  the  right  of  this  gallery  was  a  long  one  for  the  inquisitors  ;  and  be- 
tween these  two  galleries,  a  room,  whither  the  inquisitors  retire  to  heai 
the  confessions  of  those  who,  terrified  at  the  horrors  of  impending  death 
may  be  prompted  to  confess  what  they  had  before  persisted  in  denying. 


IN   THK    INQUISITION.  159 

The  reader  may  judge,  from  the  faint  description,  of 
the  dreadful  anguish  I  must  have  laboured  under,  the 
nine  different  times  they  put  me  to  the  torture.  Most 
of  .my  limbs  were  put  out  of  joint,  arid  bruised  in  such  a 
manner,  that  I  was  unable,  during  some  weeks,  to  lift 
my  hand  to  my  mouth ;  my  body  being  vastly  swelled, 
by  the  inflammations  caused  by  the  frequent  dislocations, 
1  have  but  too  much  reason  to  fear  that  I  shall  feel  the 
sad  effects  of  this  cruelty  so  long  as  I  live,  I  being  seized 
from  time  to  time  with  thrilling  pains,  with  which  I 
never  was  afflicted  till  I  had  the  misfortune  of  falling 
into  the  merciless  and  bloody  hands  of  the  inquisitors. 

The  day  of  the  auto-da-fe  being  come,70  I  was  made  to 
walk  in  the  procession,  with  the  other  victims  of  this 
tribunal.  Being  come  to  St.  Dominic's  church,71  my 


they  sometimes  gladly  snatching  this  last  moment  allowed  them  to  escape 
a  cruel  exit.  The  trials  of  all  the  prisoners  not  sentenced  to  die,  being 
read,  the  president  of  the  Inquisition,  dressed  in  his  sacerdotal  vestments, 
appeared  with  a  book  in  his  hand ;  after  which  five  or  six  priests,  in  sur- 
plices, tapped,  with  a  sort  of  wands,  the  heads  and  shoulders  of  the  pri- 
soners in  question,  saying  certain  prayers,  used  in  the  Romish  church, 
when  the  excommunication  is  taken  off.  Then  another  priest  went  up 
into  the  pulpit  to  read  the  trials  of  the  ill-fated  persons  sentenced  to  the 
flames ;  after  which  these  sad  victims  were  delivered  up  to  the  secular 
power,  whose  officers  take  them  to  the  Relacaon,  whither  the  king  comes. 
Thus  the  Inquisition,  to  conceal  their  cruelties,  calls  in  the  secular  arm, 
which  condemns  the  prisoners  to  die,  or  rather  ratines  the  sentence  passed 
by  the  inquisitors.  This  lasted  till  six  in  the  morning.  At  last,  these 
miserable  creatures,  accompanied  by  the  familiars  and  priests,  were  con- 
ducted, under  the  guard  of  a  detachment  of  foot,  to  Campo  da  Laa,  or 
the  Wool-field.  Here  they  were  fastened  with  chains  to  posts,  and  seated 
on  pitch  barrels.  Afterwards  the  king  appeared  in  a  sorry  coach,  at 
which  were  ropes  instead  of  harness.  He  then  ordered  the  friars  to  ex- 
hort each  of  the  victims  in  question,  to  die  in  the  Romish  faith,  upon 
pain  of  being  burnt  alive ;  but  to  declare  that  such  as  complied  with 
the  exhortation  of  the  priest,  should  be  strangled  before  they  were 
committed  to  the  flames." 

™  It  Appears  that  a  fortnight  before  the  solemnization  of  this  auto-da- 
ft, notice  was  given  in  all  the  churches  that  it  would  be  celebrated  on 
Sunday,  21st  June,  1744 ;  and  the  spectators  were  directed  not  to  ridi- 
cule the  prisoners,  but  to  pray  for  their  conversion.  On  Saturday,  the 
20th,  Coustos  received  directions  to  prepare  himself  for  the  solemnity. 
The  dresses  were  a  yellow  robe,  or  scapulary,  striped  with  red  ;  and  such 
as  were  accused  of  sorcery  had  devils  or  flames  painted  on  the  robe,  and 
the  word  WIZARD  in  large  letters.  Those  who  were  not  sentenced  to 
die  carried  a  yellow  lighted  taper  in  their  hands.  Coustos  informs  us 
that  he  was  not  included  in  this  ceremony  because  he  was  an  obstinate 
Protestant. 

71  In  his  appendix  Coustos  goes  on  to  say : — "  We  were  carried  through 


160  SUFFERINGS   OF   COU8TO8 

sentence   was  read,   by  which   I  was  condemned  to   the 
galley,  as  it  is  termed,  during  four  years. 

Four  days  after  this  procession  I  was  conveyed  to  this 
galley,  arid  joined,  on  the  morrow,  in  the  painful  occu- 
pation of  my  fellow-slaves.  However,  the  liberty  I  had 
of  speaking  to  my  friends,  after  having  been  deprived  of 
even  the  night  of  them  during  my  tedious,  wren-Iu'd 
abode  in  the  prison  of  the  Inquisition  ;  the  open  air  I 
now  breathed,  with  the  satisfaction  I  felt  in  being  freed 
from  the  dreadful  apprehensions  which  always  over- 
spread my  mind,  whenever  I  reflected  on  the  uncertainty 
of  my  fate  ;  these  circumstances  united,  made  me  find 
the  toils  of  the  galley  much  more  supportable.72 


several  galleries,  till  we  came  to  the  abode  allotted  us.  Here  wero 
several  chambers,  the  doors  of  which  were  open,  and  each  of  us  oh«>r 
that  which  he  liked  best.  Each  had  given  to  him  a  straw  bed,  with 
blankets  and  sheets.  Most  of  these  things  were  far  from  clean,  as  an 
auto-da-fe  had  not  been  held  for  two  years  before.  The  women 
lodged  a  story  above  us.  Being  thus  settled,  we  thought  ourselves  the 
happiest  persons  upon  the  earth,  though  we  had  little  to  boast  of.  How- 
ever, we  were  now  together,  and  breathed  the  fresh  air ;  we  enimvil  the 
light  of  the  sky,  and  had  a  view  of  a  garden  ;  in  a  word,  w«-  knew  that 
we  should  not  be  put  to  death ;  all  which  circumstances  proved  a  great. 
consolation.  The  alcaide  or  gaoler,  and  his  brother-keeper,  brought 
each  of  us  a  loaf,  a  cake,  and  water  sufficient  for  the  whole  company  ; 
permitting  us,  at  the  same  time,  to  divert  ourselves,  provided  we  did  not 
make  a  noise.  This  was  the  first  time  we  had  supped  in  the  Inquisition 
with  any  satisfaction.  Having  been  greatly  fatigued,  by  the  ceremony 
described  in  the  foregoing  pages,  I  slept  very  soundly.  I  am  to  observe 
that,  from  the  time  of  our  returning  from  the  procession,  we  were  sup- 
ported at  the  expense  of  the  cardinal-inquisitor,  and  not  at  that  of  the 
mock  holy  office.  We  were  soon  sensible  of  this  change  of  masters,  not 
only  by  the  advantages  described  above,  but  also  by  the  permission  al- 
lowed us,  of  sending  to  our  relations  and  friends  for  such  provisions  ;<s 
we  might  want,  if  we  did  not  like  those  given  us,  or  had  not  enough  to 
satisfy  our  appetites.  It  would  be  the  highest  ingratitude  in  me,"  Cous- 
tos  continues,  "  not  to  mention  the  very  essential  favours  which  I  myself, 
as  well  as  the  three  Brethren,  my  fellow-prisoners,  received  from  the  Free- 
masons of  Lisbon.  They  obtained  leave  to  visit  us,  and  their  bounty 
proved  of  the  most  signal  advantage  to  us.  We  imagined  at  first,  that 
the  reason  why  the  cardinal  ordere  1  us  to  be  confined  in  this  part  of  the 
prison  was,  to  accustom  us,  by  insensible  degrees,  to  the  open  air,  and  to 
dispel  the  dreadful  melancholy  which  had  so  long  oppressed  us.  The 
true  cause,  however,  was,  that' we  might  be  the  more  readily  conveyed 
to  the  place  where  we  were  sentenced  to  go ;  to  put  into  our  hands  a 
bill  of  the  expenses  which  the  inquisitors  had  been  at,  which,  in  many 
ca-es,  were  enormous." 

72  The  Portuguese  galley  is  a  prison  standing  by  the  river  side,  and 
consists  of  two  spacious  rooms,  which  are  crowded  with  all  sorts  of 


IN    THK    INQUISITION.  161 

As  T  had  suffered  greatly  in  my  body,  by  the  tortures 
inflicted  on  me  in  the  prison  of  the  Inquisition,  of  which 
the  reader  has  seen  a  very  imperfect,  though  faithful  nar- 
rative in  the  foregoing  sheets,  I  was  quite  unfit  to  go 
about  the  painful  labour  that  was  immediately  allotted 
me,  viz.,  the  carrying  water  (an  hundred  pounds  weight) 
to  the  prisons  of  the  city.  But  the  fears  I  was  under  of 
being  exposed  to  the  inhumanity  of  the  guards  or  over- 
seers, who  accompany  the  galley  slaves,  caused  me  to 
exert  myself  so  far  beyond  my  strength,  that,  twelve 
days  after,  I  fell  grievously  sick.  I  then  was  sent  to  the 
infirmary,  where  I  continued  two  months.  During  my 
abode  in  this  place,  I  was  often  visited  by  the  Irish 
friars  belonging  to  the  convent  of  Corpo  Santo,  who 
offered  to  get  my  release,  provided  I  would  turn  Roman 
Catholic.  I  assured  them  that  all  their  endeavours 
would  be  fruitless,  I  expecting  my  enlargement  from 
the  Almighty  alone,  who,  if  He,  in  His  profound  wisdom, 
thought  proper,  would  point  out  other  expedients  for 
my  obtaining  it,  than  my  becoming  an  apostate. 

Being  unable,  after  this,  to  go  through  the  toils  to 
which  I  had  been  sentenced,  I  was  excused,  by  my 
amply  rewarding  the  overseers.  It  was  now  that  I  had 
full  leisure  to  reflect  seriously  on  the  means  of  obtaining 
my  liberty  ;  and,  for  this  purpose,  desired  a  friend  to 
write  to  my  brother-in-law.  Mr.  Barbu,  to  inform  him 


criminals,  and  replete  with  every  species  of  villainous  and  bad  characters. 
At  the  time  Coustos  was  there,  he  found  some  of  these  slaves  employed 
in  the  dockyard  ;  carrying  timber,  loading  and  unloading  ships  ;  carry- 
ing water  to  the  king's  gardens  and  to  all  the  prisons  ;  and  to  labours 
still  more  ignominious  and  painful.  They  were  treated  with  the  greatest 
severity,  being  fastened  two  and  two  by  a  chain,  eight  feet  long,  to  their 
ancles.  At  their  girdle  is  an  iron  lK>ok,  by  which  they  might  shorten  or 
lengthen  the  chain  nt  their  convenience.  Their  heads  and  beards  are 
shaved  once  a  month  ;  and  they  wear  coarse  cloaks,  in  which  they  are 
also  wrapped  at  night,  lying  on  boards  covered  with  matting.  Their 
provision  is  of  the  meanest  kind,  being  allowed  only  six  pounds  of  salt 
meat  for  a  month,  besides  a  prescribed  quantity  of  pulse  and  black  bis- 
cuit. They  are  led  early  in  the  morning  to  their  work,  and  toil  inces- 
santly till  eleven  ;  then  they  dine,  and  labour  till  night,  when  they  are 
led  back  to  the  galley.  If  any  of  them  fall  sick,  they  are  removed  to 
the  upper  room,  and  placed  under  the  care  of  the  medical  attendants. 
If  any  of  them  offend,  they  are  laid  on  their  bellies,  fastened  to  a  ladder 
naked,  and  beaten  by  two  men  with  a  thick  pitched  rope.  This  punish- 
ment is  sometimes  so  severe,  that  pieces  of  the  flesh  are  torn  away, 
which  produces  mortification,  and  sometimes  death 


102  SrFFEKINGS    OF   OOU8TO6 

of  my  deplorable  state,  and  to  entreat  him  humbly  to 
address  the  Earl  of  Harrington  in  my  favour  ;  my  bro- 
ther-in-law having  the  honour  to  live  in  his  lordship's 
family.  This  nobleman,  whose  humanity  and  generosity 
have  been  the  theme  of  infinitely  abler  pens  than  mine, 
was  so  good  as  to  declare,  that  he  would  endeavour  to 
procure  my  freedom.  Accordingly,  his  lordship  spoke 
to  his  grace  the  Duke  of  Newcastle,  one  of  the  principal 
secretaries  of  state,  in  order  to  supplicate  for  leave  from 
our  sovereign,  that  his  minister  at  Lisbon  might  demand 
me  as  a  subject  of  Great  Britain. 

His  majesty,  ever  attentive  to  the  felicity  of  hfs  sub- 
jects, and  desirous  of  relieving  them  in  all  (heir  misfor- 
tunes, was  so  gracious  as  to  interpose  in  my  favour. 
Accordingly,  his  commands  being  dispatched  to  Mr. 
Ooinpton,  the  British  minister  at  Lisbon,  that  gentleman 
demanded  my  liberty  of  the  King  of  Portugal,  in  his 
Britannic  Majesty's  name  ;  which  accordingly  I  obtained 
the  latter  end  of  October,  1744.  The  person  who  came 
and  freed  me  from  the  galley,  by  order  of  the  inquisitors, 
took  me  before  them.  The  president  then  told  me,  that 
Cardinal  da  Cunha  had  given  orders  for  my  being  re- 
leased. At  the  same  time  he  bid  me  return  to  the  holy 
office  in  three  or  four  days.73 

T  could  perceive,  during  this  interval,  that  I  was  fol- 
lowed by  the  spies  of  the  Inquisition,  who  kept  a 
watchful  eye  over  my  behaviour,  and  the  places  I  fre- 
quented. [  waited  upon  our  envoy,  as  likewise  upon 
our  consul,  whom  I  informed  of  the  commands  which 
had  been  laid  upon  me  at  the  Inquisition,  and  tho.-c 
gentlemen  advised  me  to  obey  them.  They  cautioned 
me,  however,  to  take  a  friend  with  me,  in  order  that  he 


73  These  severe  measures  served  to  extinguish  Freemasonry  in  Portu- 
gal ;  and  for  thirty-three  years  it  made  no  progress  whatever.  But  in 
1776,  two  members  of  the  craft,  Major  Dalincourt  and  Don  Oyres  (!•• 
Ornelles  Paracao,  a  Portuguese  nobleman,  were  incarcerated,  nn-i  iv- 
mainad  in  prison  upwards  or  fourteen  months.  Many  inquiries  were  from 
time  to  time  instituted,  to  discover  whether  Masonry  was  in  operation, 
under  the  plea  of  searching  into  conspiracies  against  the  government  : 
and  several  arrests  of  distinguished  personages  took  place  at  various 
subsequent  periods,  and  amongst  the  rest  Da  Costa,  the  naturalist.  But 
the  severity  of  former  times  was  not  repeated,  owing  probably  to  the  dis- 
persion of  the  Jesuits,  who  were  at  all  times  the  bitter  and  uncompromis- 
ing- enemies  of  the  Order,  except  when  they  had  it  in  their  own  hands. 


IN    THE    INQUISITION.  163 

might  give  them  notice,  in  case  I  should  be  seized  again. 
I  accordingly  returned  to  the  inquisitors  five  days  after, 
when  the  president  declared — "  That  the  tribunal  would 
not  permit  me  to  continue  any  longer  in  Portugal,  and 
therefore,  that  I  must  name  the  city  and  kingdom 
whither  I  intended  to  retire."  "  As  my  family,"  I 
replied,  "  are  now  in  London,  I  design  to  go  thither  as 
soon  as  possible."  They  then  bid  me  embark  in  the 
first  ship  that  should  sail  for  England  ;  adding,  that  the 
instant  I  had  found  one,  I  must  inform  them  of  the  day 
and  hour  I  intended  to  go  on  board,  together  with  the 
captain's  name  and  that  of  his  ship. 

A  report  prevailed,  some  days  after,  that  one  of  the 
persons  seized  by  the  Inquisition  for  Freemasonry,  and 
who  had  obtained  his  liberty  by  turning  Roman  Ca- 
tholic, had  been  so  indiscreet  as  to  divulge  the  cruelties 
exercised  in  this  tribunal. 

I  now  imagined  that  prudence  required  me  to  secure 
myself  from  a  second  persecution.  As  there  was  at  this 
time  no  English  ship  in  the  port  of  Lisbon,  I  waited 
upon  Mr.  Vantil,  the  resident  of  Holland,  and  besought 
him  to  speak  to  the  Dutch  admiral  to  admit  me  on  board 
his  fleet.  The  resident,  touched  with  my  calamities, 
hinted  my  request  to  the  admiral,  who  generously  com- 
plied with  it.  I  then  went,  together  with  a  friend,  and 
informed  the  inquisitor,  that  I  designed  to  embark  for 
England  in  the  Damietta,  commanded  by  Vice-admiral 
Cornelius  Screiver,  who  was  to  sail  in  a  few  days. 
Upon  the  inquisitors  inquiring  the  exact  time  when  I 
intended  to  go  on  board,  I  replied,  at  nine  o'clock  the 
next  morning.  He  then  bid  me  come  to  him  precisely 
at  that  hour;  adding,  that  he  would  send  some  officers 
of  the  Inquisition  to  see  me  on  shipboard. 

These  orders  giving  me  great  uneasiness,  I  waited 
upon  the  several  gentlemen  above-mentioned,  when 
telling  them  the  injunctions  laid  upon  me,  they  advised 
me  to  act  very  cautiously  on  this  occasion.  I  therefore 
thought  it  would  be  safest  for  me  to  go  on  board  imme- 
diately, without  giving  any  notice  of  it  to  the  inquisi- 
tors.74 We  lay  at  anchor,  after  this,  near  three  weeks 
before  Lisbon. 

74  Here  lie  felt  himself  safe,  and  out  of  the  reach  of  persecution ;  for 

8 


SUFFERINGS    OF    COU8TO8 

The  inquisitor  no  sooner  found  that  I  failed  oon.mir  to 
him  at  the  time  appointed,  in  order  to  be  conducted  to 
the  ship,  than  he  sent  out  about  thirty  spies.  Nine  of 
these  coming  to  inquire  after  me,  at  the  house  where  I 
used  to  lodge,  searched  it  from  top  to  bottom,  examining 
every  trunk,  chest  of  drawers,  and  closet.  But  their 
endeavours  to  find  me  being  fruitless,  some  officers  of 
the  Inquisition  getting  into  a  boat,  rowed  several  times 
round  the  three  Dutch  men-of-war  lying  at  anchor. 
These  officers  imagined  that  if  1  was  on  board,  and  con- 
sequently in  a  place  of  security,  I  should  not  be  afraid 
of  showing  myself — a  circumstance  that  would  have  put 
an  end  to  their  search,  which  cost  them  some  pains  and 
expense.  As  I  did  not  gratify  their  curiosity,  and  we 
weighed  anchor  a  few  days  after,  I  know  not  whether 
they  continued  it. 

Their  search  was  so  open,  both  at  the  house  where  I 
had  lodged,  as  well  as  at  other  places,  that  I  was  soon 
informed  of  it;  at  which  I  should  have  been  delighted, 
had  not  my  joy  been  damped  by  the  apprehensions  I 
was  under,  lest  my  dear  friend,  Mr.  Mouton,  the  compa- 
nion of  my  sufferings  and  tortures,  merely  on  account  of 
Freemasonry,  should  likewise  fall  a  victim  to  their  bar- 
barity. Speaking  concerning  him  to  the  admiral,  li". 
with  the  utmost  humanity,  gave  me  leave  to  send  for 
him  on  board.  He,  corning  accordingly  next  day,  was 
received  with  great  satisfaction  by  the  whole  ship's  com- 
pany, especially  by  myself,  I  having  a  peculiar  esteem  for 
him,  which  I  shall  ever  entertain. 

We  set  sail  two  days  after.  We  had  occasion  to 
observe  during  our  whole  voyage,  the  true  pleasure 
which  a  generous  mind  feels  in  doing  a  humane  action, 
and  in  protecting  the  unhappy.  This  was  particularly 
conspicuous  in  the  admiral,  he  ordering  the  utmost  care 

there  was  no  inquisition  in  England ;  although  attempts  were  made  to 
introduce  it  in  the  reign  of  Mary.  "  The  justices  of  peace."  Pays  Bishop 

Surnet,  were  now  everywhere  so  slack  in  the  prosecution  of  heretics, 
tnat  it  seemed  necessary  to  find  out  other  tools ;  so  the  courts  of  inquisi- 

lon  were  thought  of,  and  a  commission  was  given  to  Bonncr  and  others 
to  search  for  all  who  were  suspected  of  heresy.  This  was  carried  on  so 
vigorously  in  different  parts  of  England,  that  the  burning  of  heretics  be- 
came common,  which  was  looked  on  as  an  advance  towards  the  Inquisi- 
tion ;  but  the  ueath  of  Mary  prevented  such  a  project  from  being  intro- 
duced into  this  free  kingdom." 


EN    THE      INQUISITION.  165 

to  be  taken  of  us,  all  the  time  we  were  on  board  his 
ship  ;  he  sometimes  condescending  to  admit  us  to  his 
table,  when  he  would  talk  to  us  with  the  utmost  famili- 
arity. This  distinction  won  us  the  civility  of  every 
person  in  the  ship,  which  continued  till  our  arrival  at 
Portsmouth,  where  we  landed  ;  without  having  been 
put  to  a  farthing  expense  during  the  whole  voyage. 

All  these  favours,  so  generously  bestowed  by  the  ad- 
miral, call  aloud  for  the  strongest  acknowledgments  of 
gratitude. 

To  conclude,  I  arrived  in  London  the  15th  of  Decem- 
ber, 1744,  after  a  long  and  dangerous  voyage. 

I  here  return  thanks,  with  all  the  powers  of  my  soul, 
to  the  Almighty,  for  his  having  so  visibly  protected  me 
from  that  infernal  band  of  friars,  who  employed  the  vari- 
ous tortures,  mentioned  in  the  former  pages,  in  order  to 
force  me  to  apostatize  from  my  holy  religion. 

I  return  our  sovereign  King  George  II.  (the  instrument 
under  heaven  for  procuring  me  my  liberty)  the  most 
dutiful  and .  most  respectful  thanks,  for  his  so  graciously 
condescending  to  interpose  in  favour  of  an  ill-fated  galley- 
slave.  1  shall  retain,  so  long  as  I  have  breath,  the  deepest 
sensations  of  affection  and  loyalty  for  his  sacred  person  ; 
and  will  be  ever  ready  to  expose  my  life  for  his  majesty 
and  his  most  august  family. 


CHAPTER   V. 

PERSECUTIONS   OF   FREEMASONRY   NOW   IN   OPERATION. 


prepare  thee  to  cuToff  the  flesh ; 


Shed  thou  no  blood  ;  nor  cut  thou  less  nor  more, 

But  just  a  pound  of  flesh  ;  if  thou  tak'st  more, 

Or  less  than  just  a  pound,  be  it  but  so  much 

As  makes  it  light  or  heavy  in  the  substance, 

Or  the  division  of  the  twentieth  part 

Of  one  poor  scruple  ;  nay,  if  the  scale  do  turn 

But  in  the  estimation  of  a  hair — 

Thou  diest,  and  all  thy  goods  are  confiscate." 

SHAKSPEABB. 

ATTACK   ON   FREEMASONRY   IN   MALTA.1 

THE  pastoral  letter  of  the  Catholic  Bishop  of  Malta  to 
his  diocese,  on  the  subject  of  Freemasons'  lodges,  was 
issued  in  1843.  After  the  edict  published  against  the 
Jews  of  Ancona,2  we  cannot  be  surprised  by  any  act  of 
bigotry,  folly,  or  craft,  that  may  emanate  from  the 
Romish  Church,  even  in  this  age  of  information  and  en- 
lightenment. The  only  cause  for  astonishment  is,  that 

1  The  text  of  this  chapter  is  wholly  taken  from  the  Freemasons' 
Quarterly  Review. 

-  The  above  edict  is  given  at  length  in  the  Freemasons'  Quarterly  Re- 
view for  1843,  p.  384.  But  it  appears  to  have  been  soon  withdrawn, 
from  the  following  paragraph  in  the  Voice  of  Jacob : — "  We  havt>  sinr"iv 
pleasure  in  announcing,  from  an  authentic  source,  that  the  atrocious 
decree  of  the  Roman  Inquisition,  first  issued  under  the  authority  of  Leo 
XII.,  and  recently  put  in  force  by  the  inquisitor-general  of  Aucona,  has 
been  again  suspended.  We  learn  from  various  quarters  that  the  utmost 
consternation  had  been  produced,  not  only  throughout  Italy,  but  every- 
where in  the  Mediterranean  ;  not  only  among  the  Jews,  but  among  Pro- 
testant Christians,  either  subject  to  Catholic  governments,  or  surrounded 
by  Catholic  populations,  at  this  revival  of  the  fearful  Inquisition.  Some 
misapprehension  has  existed  as  to  the  genuineness  of  the  decree  ;  we 
have  reason  to  know  that  certain  of  its  clauses  had  already  begun  to  be 
acted  upon." 

(166) 


PERSECUTIONS    OF    FREEMASONRY.  167 

such  a  document  should  be  published  in  a  British  posses- 
sion.3 

It  is  not  an  impotent  instrument  of  malice  ;  for  the  ex- 
citement caused  amongst  the  ignorant  population  of 
Malta  is  likely  to  be  followed  by  serious  consequences. 
Denounced  as  a  Freemason,  your  life  is  no  longer  safe. 
With  the  Maltese  a  Freemason,  is  now  riot  only  avoided 
as  a  mad  dog,  but  he  is  in  imminent  danger  of  being  treated 
as  one.  The  police  have  been  called  in  to  protect  several 
persons  suspected  as  Masons.  Those  denounced  are  re- 
fused all  attendance  and  consolation,  and  placed  under 
the  ban  of  society  with  their  countrymen.4 

Very  few  Maltese  are  Masons ;  although  some  few 
Italian  refugees  have  at  times  attended  the  lodge.  Nearly 
all  the  members  are  Englishmen  of  great  respectability, 
either  residents  here,  or  naval  and  military  officers,  who 
may  be  for  a  time  stationed  in  the  island  or  port.  The 
Freemasons'  lodge  has  been  established  for  nearly  thirty 
years  ;  therefore  it  is  not,  as  the  precious  letter  would 
insinuate,  a  thing  of  yesterday.5  A  branch  meeting  or 


3  Intolerance  is  confined  to  no  country  or  climate ;  and  even  Great 
Britain,  enlightened  by  the  successful  researches  of  science  and  philo- 
sophy, is  not  free  from  its  baneful  influence,  as  we  shall  see  in  the  course 
of  the  present  chapter.     But  it  is  only  those  who  can  make  up  their 
minds  to  oppose  the  free  practice  of  our  holy  religion,  that  are  capable 
of  interfering  with  the  proceedings  of  Masonry. 

4  An  instance  of  this  inhumanity  occurred  in  Gibraltar  in  1840,  and  the 
honourable  manner  in  which  it  was  met  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Burrow,  the 
Past  Grand  Master,  is  related  in  an  address  to  him  at  the  presentation  of 
a  masonic  offering  by  the  fraternity.     A  poor,  but  respectable  Roman 
Catholic  was  refused  Christian  burial  because  he  was  a  Freemason  ;  and 
his  corpse  was  expelled  from  the  Roman  Catholic  church  as  a  contamina- 
tion !   The  Past  Grand  Master  hearing  of  this,  offered  to  perform  for  him 
those  sacred  offices  which  had  been  refused  by  the  clergy  of  his  own  com- 
munion, which  were  of  course  accepted  ;  and  raised  equally  in  the  opinion 
of  all  impartial  persons,  the  character  of  Masonry  as  an  institution  oi' 
Brotherly  love,  and  of  the  Protestant  Church  as  an  example  of  toleration 
and  humanity. 

It  will  scarcely  be  believed  that  in  the  nineteenth  century,  in  a  Bri- 
tish possession,  whore  many  of  the  government  officers,  as  well  as  officers 
of  regiments  in  garrison  there,  and  of  the  ships  of  war  in  port,  are  Free- 
masons, so  bigoted,  calumnious  and  scandalous  an  edict  should  have  been 
posted  tfp  on  the  doors  of,  and  read  in  every  Catholic  church  and  chapel, 
as  the  following,  which  is  termed  a  "  Pastoral  Letter,"  and  purports  to 
be  issued  by  the  Bishop  of  Malta,  though,  in  reality,  it  has  been  con- 
cocted by  the  Jesuitical  clique  about  him ;  for  it  is  well  known  his  lord- 
ihip  is  in  a  state  of  second  childhood.  We  sincerely  hope  to  see  the 


168  PRSECUTION8    OF   FREEMASONRY 

lodge  is  held  at  Senglea,  for  the  convenience  of  those 
living  across  the  water,  distant  from  Valetta.  It  is  to 
this  particularly  that  the  Bishop  refers.  The  M;.  • 
here  are  a  very  quiet  and  orderly  class  of  persons,  chiefly 
English  artisans  employed  in  the  dockyard.  No  a<-t  ran 
have  been  committed  that  in  any  way  deserves  the  slan- 
ders contained  in  the  intemperate  letter  of  this  ill-advised 
old  man.  It  is  merely  conjectured  that  the  Bishop  lias 
published  this  letter  to  show  at  home  how  zealous  a  ser- 
vant of  the  pope  he  is,  and  how  watchful  he  is  over  the 
interests  of  the  church.6  It  is  a  bugbear,  which  he  has 
raised  for  the  sole  purpose  of  exciting  alarm,  and  of  show- 
ing his  power  as  an  exorcist.7 

"  Nos  Don  Franciscus  Xaverius   Camana,  Venerdbilibus 
Fratribus  et  Dilectis,  Capitulo,  Clero,  Popidoque  D< 
Melitensis,  salutem  in  Domino  Sempiternam. 

"  We  feel  it  to  be  the  duty  of  our  pastoral  ministry  to 
conceal  as  much  as  possible  such  sins  as  may  be  com- 
mitted by  a  few  persons  in  secret,  so  that  the  bad  example 
of  these  may  not  be  made  known  to  or  followed  by  others, 
to  the  scandal  of  the  church  and  corruption  of  good  man- 
ners. Up  to  this  period  this  policy  has  been  followed  by 

matter  warmly  taken  up  by  the  British  press ;  and  feel  confident  that 
an  inquiry  will  be  made  in  parliament  i<  to  how  the  local  government 
ever  permitted  such  an  unlawful  as*u. ..  i  m  of  authority,  understand- 
ing, as  we  do,  that  the  Ecclesiastical  Coiirc  r4gnified  its  intention  before- 
hand, and  why  the  crown  lawyers  have  not  instituted  an  action  for 
libel  against  all  concerned. 

6  On  this  point  His  Royal  Highness  the  late  Duke  of  Sussex  observed, 
that "  the  wisest  and  soundest  policy  would  be  to  leave  all  religions  quietly 
to  themselves,  so  long  a?  they  neither  attack  morality,  nor  subvert  the 
public  quiet,  either  by  their  ambition  or  intolerance  ;  their  variety  would 
not  fail  to  produce  a  rivalship,  useful  as  a  balance  in  the  scale  of  power, 
and  as  an  emulation  to  virtue.  The  state  has  no  right  to  exercise  its 
authority  over  the  private  opinions  of  any  individual ;  but  merely  to 
notice  those  acts  which  may  endanger  and  disturb  the  regularity  and 
good  order  of  its  civilized  community." 

'  The  dignified  clergy  of  Belgium,  however,  have  imitated  so  fructify- 
ing an  example,  and  have  issued  an  address  to  the  inferior  priests  of 
their  several  dioceses,  in  which  they  are  exhorted  to  communicate  to 
their  flocks,  by  publishing  at  sermon  time,  that  the  associations  of  Free- 
masons are  expressly  prohibited  and  condemned  by  the  pope,  who 
rigorously  forbids  all  persons  to  take  any  part  in  them,  or  to  favour 
them  in  any  manner  whatever ;  and  that  those  who  so  offend  shall  not 
receive  absolution,  unless  they  positively  renounce  these  societies ! 


NOW    IN    OPERATION.  169 

us  ;  for  our  ecclesiastical  doctrine  teaches  us,  through  the 
Holy  Spirit,  to  listen  for  a  time  silently,  and,  meanwhile, 
search  diligently  : — '  audi  tacens  semul  el  qucerens.1  We  now 
draw  your  attention  to  that  iniquitous  congregation,  that 
detestable  lodge  ;  for  we  are  at  a  loss  by  what  epithet 
to  denounce  a  meeting  held  in  a  building  in  an  obscure 
corner  of  the  city  of  Senglea.  After  long  suffering,  we 
are  still  grieved  to  see  that  the  several  means  which, 
with  evangelical  prudence,  we  have  hitherto  adopted  to 
overturn  and  eradicate  this  pernicious  society  have  proved 
futile ;  so  that  at  length  we  feel  ourselves  under  the 
necessity  of  publicly,  loudly,  and  energetically  raising 
our  voice  to  exhort,  in  the  name  of  our  Lord,  all  our 
beloved  diocesans  to  keep  far  away  from  this  infernal 
meeting,  whose  object  is  nothing  less  than  to  loosen 
every  divine  and  human  tie,  and  to  destroy,  if  possible, 
the  very  foundation  of  the  Catholic  Church.  We  also 
threaten  with  the  thunders  of  that  church  any  persons 
who,  unhappily  for  them,  may  belong  to  any  secret  so- 
ciety, whether  as  a  member,  or  in  any  way  connected  with, 
helping  or  favouring,  directly  or  indirectly,  such  society  or 
any  of  its  acts. 

"  We,  with  anguish  at  heart,  heard  long  ago,  almost 
immediately  on  its  first  assemblage,  of  the  creation  of  this 
diabolical  lodge ;  and  being  very  desirous  that  the  land 
under  our  spiritual  domination  (these  islands  of  Malta 
and  Gozo),  should  continue  in  ignorance  of  what  was 
doing  under  the  veil  of  darkness,  in  an  obscure  part  of 
the  city  of  Senglea,  by  a  few  ill-advised  individuals  ;  and 
that  none  of  our  flock  should  by  chance,  or  from  motives 
of  interest,  be  tempted  to  join  this  pestilential  pulpit  of 
iniquity  and  error — we  have  as  yet  only  adopted  the 
evangelical  advice  of  secretly  warning  and  admonishing*, 
hoping  always  that  the  attacks  made  on  the  human  and 
divine  laws  established  among  us  may  be  foiled  and  be- 
come harmless  ;  but  seeing  now,  that  in  spite  of  all  our 
silent  workings,  the  meetings  of  this  lodge  still  continue, 
we  openly,  and  with  all  that  apostolic  frankness  cha- 
racteristic of  the  Catholic  clergy,  in  the  name  of  God 
Almighty,  and  of  his  only  true  Roman  Catholic  and 
apostolic  church,  and  authorized  as  we  are  expressly  by 
the  papal  authority,  denounce,  proscribe,  and  condemn,  in 
the  most  public  manner,  the  instalments,  unions,  meet- 


170  PERSECUTIONS    OF    FREEMASONRY 

ings,  and  all  the  proceedings  of  this  lodge  of  abominations, 
as  being  diametrically  opposed  to  our  sacred  Catholic 
religion  ;  as  destructive  to  every  celestial  law,  every  mun- 
dane authority  ;  contradictory  to  every  evangelical  maxim, 
and  as  tending  to  disorganize,  put  to  flight,  and  utterly 
destroy  whatever  of  religion,  of  honesty,  and  of  good 
there  "may  be  in  the  holy  Catholic  faith,  or  amoiiLT  our 
peaceful  citizens,  under  the  deceitful  veil  of  novelty,  of 
a  badly  understood  philanthropy,  and  a  specious  free- 
dom. 

"  We  therefore  believe  it  to  be  our  duty,  most  beloved 
diocesan,  to  address  you  under  these  deplorable  circum- 
stances ;  to  incite  you  to  entertain  the  most  profound 
horror  and  the  deepest  indignation  for  this  lodge,  union, 
or  society,  by  us  this  day  publicly  condemned — to  regard 
it  as  a  common  sewer  of  filth,  and  sink  of  immorality, 
which  endeavours,  although  as  yet  in  vain,  to  vomit  hell 
against,  to  stigmatize  the  immaculate  purity  of  our  sacred 
Catholic  religion.  Its  pernicious  orgies  anticipate  the 
overthrow  of  that  order  which  reigns  on  earth  ;  pro- 
mote an  unbridled  freedom  of  action  unchecked  by  law, 
for  the  gratification  of  the  most  depraved  and  disorderly 
passions.  Do  not  allow  yourselves  to  be  deceived  by 
their  seducing  language,  which  proffers  humanity  frater- 
nal love  and  apparent  reform  ;  but,  in  reality,  tends  to 
discord,  universal  anarchy,  and  total  ruin,  the  destruction 
of  all  religion,  and  the  subversion  of  every  philanthropic 
establishment.  Their  agents  industriously  hide  their  ma- 
lignant intentions  by  deceitful  and  never-to-be-redeemed 
promises.  The  great  solicitude  evinced  to  conceal  every 
action  of  this  society  under  a  mask,  will  make  you  dis- 
trust its  word  ;  for  honourable  undertakings  are  always 
manifest  and  open,  courting  observation  and  inquiry  ; 
sins  and  iniquities  alone  bury  themselves  in  secrecy  and 
obscurity.  Fathers  of  families !  and  you  also  to  whom 
is  intrusted  the  education  of  youth,  be  diligent,  and  be 
careful  of  your  precious  charge ;  see  that  they  be  not 
contaminated  by  this  plague  spot,  which,  although  now 
confined  to  one  domicile,  yet  threatens  to  spread  the 
pestilence  among  us ;  scrutinize  the  books  they  read, 
examine  the  character  of  their  associates.  It  is  a  well- 
known  practice  of  this  secret  society  to  seduce  over 
youth  under  the  specious  pretext  of  'communicating  to 


NOW   IN    OPERATION.  171 

them,  disinterestedly,  scientific  knowledge.  Flee,  then, 
0  beloved  diocesan,  as  from  the  face  of  a  venomous  ser- 
pent, the  society,  the  very  neighbourhood  of,  and  all 
connection  with  these  teachers  of  impiety,  who  wish  to 
confound  light  with  darkness,  trying,  if  possible,  to  ob- 
scure the  former,  and  make  you  embrace  and  follow  the 
latter.  You  cannot  possibly  gain  anything  good  from 
disturbers  of  all  rule  and  order,  who  show  no  veneration 
for  God  and  his  religion,  no  esteem  for  any  authority, 
ecclesiastical  or  civil ; — men  deceitful  and  feigning,  who, 
under  a  show  of  social  honesty,  and  a  warm  love  for 
their  species,  are  stirring  up  an  atrocious  war  with  all 
that  can  render  human  society  honourable,  happy,  and 
tranquil. 

"  Consider  them  as  so  many  pernicious  individuals,  to 
whom  Pope  Leo  XII.,  in  his  often-repeated  bulls,  ordered 
that  no  one  should  give  hospitality — not  even  a  passing 
salute. 

"  Instead  of  such  persons,  bring  around  you  honest  and 
just  men,  who  '  give  unto  God  that  which  is  God's,  and 
unto  Cassar  that  which  is  Caesar's/  endeavouring  to  do 
their  duty  to  God  and  to  their  neighbour. 

"  Finally,  we  absolutely  prohibit  persons  of  any  grade 
or  condition  from  having  any  connection  with  this  lodge, 
from  co-operating,  even  indirectly,  in  its  establishment 
or  extension.  We  order  them  to  prevent  others  from 
frequenting  it,  or  giving  ^  to  its  members  a  place  of 
meeting,  under  any  pretext.  We  place  every  one  under 
an  obligation  to  denounce  to  us  all  persons  who.  may 
belong  to  this  lodge  in  any  capacity,  either  as  members 
or  agents  of  a  secret  union,  founded  by  the  Devil  him- 
self, &G. 

"  Datum  Valettae,  in  Palatio  nostro  Archiepiscopali,  die 
14  Octobris,  1843." 8 


8  We  have  given  the  abridged  account  of  the  Pastoral  Letter  from  the 
Times ;  and  offer  no  other  comment  on  the  above,  than  to  express  a  hope, 
that  if  the  most  holy  (!)  Lord  Gregory  XVI.,  by  divine  Providence  the 
tenant  of  St.  Peter,  on  being  made  acquainted  with  the  unholy  conduct 
of  this  said  Don  Francisco  Xaverius  Carnana,  by  the  favour  of  God  (!) 
Archbishop  of  Rhodes,  &c.,  &c.,  does  not  in  a  Christian  like  manner 
provide  for  the  poor  lunatic,  he,  the  said  Gregory  XVI.,  not  only  will 
neglect  his  duty  to  a  fellow-creature,  but  will  render  himself  responsible 
for  all  future  acts  of  the  wretched  maniac.  Blessed  Freemasonry  !  tho 
8* 


172  PERSECUTIONS    OF    FIIKK    MASONRY 

A  more  complete  specimen  of  Jesuitical  bigotry  than 
the  above  has  seldom  appeared.  It  is.  however,  cal- 
culated to  injure  its  promulgators  rather  than  the  un- 
offending and  widely-spread  body  against  whom  its  vain 
thunders  have  been  fulminated  ;  for  it  is  iM-h-^s  lor 
Roman  Catholics  to  talk  of  any  amelioration  in  the 
spirit  of  modern  popery,  when  edicts  so  fierce  and  in- 
tolerant as  the  ridiculous  composition  in  question,  prove 
the  present  existence  of  a  rancorous  spirit  of  persecution 
and  bigotry  unsurpassed  in  the  darkest  ages  of  papsil 
supremacy  and  power.9  In  this  vile  document  the  up  HI 
atrocious  calumnies  are  heaped  upon  the  masonic  frater- 
nity, which  is  described  as  "the  common  sewer  of  all 
filth,  endeavouring,  though  continually  in  vain,  to  \< mit 
forth  the  things  of  hell  against  the  immaculate  purity  of 
the  holy  Catholic  religion,"  and  the  Brethren  are  repre- 
sented as  seeking  to  convulse  all  order  which  reigns 
upon  earth.10  The  whole  production  is  imbued  with  the 


best  proof  of  thy  moral  influence  and  purity  is,  that  only  maniacs  and 
infidels  bay  at  the  Light  they  comprehend  not. 

9  The  following  extract  from  W.  Penn's  letter  to  the  King  of  Poland, 
contains  a  beautiful  lesson,  which  all  persecutors  would  do  well  to  study 
attentively  : — "  Now,  0  prince,"  says  he,  "  give  a  poor  Christian  1 
to  expostulate  with  thee.  Did  Christ  Jesus,  or  his  holy  followers,  en- 
deavour, by  precept  or  example,  to  set  up  their  religion  with  a  carnal 
sword  ?  Called  he  any  troops  of  men  or  angels  to  defend  him  ?  Did  he 
encourage  Peter  to  dispute  his  right^rith  the  sword  ?  but  did  he  not 
say — -put  it  up  ?  Or  did  he  countenance  his  over-zealous  disciples,  when 
they  would  have  had  fire  from  heaven  to  destroy  them  that  were  not  of 
their  mind  ?  No !  but  did  not  Christ  rebuke  them,  saying — '  Ye  know 
not  what  spirit  ye  are  of?'  And,  if  it  was  neither  Christ's  spirit  nor 
their  own  spirit  that  would  have  fire  from  heaven — Oh  !  what  is  that 
spirit  that  would  kindle  fire  on  earth,  to  destroy  such  as  peaceably  follow 
the  dictates  of  their  conscience  ?  Oh,  King !  when  did  true  religion 
persecute  ?  When  did  the  true  church  offer  violence  for  religion  ?  Y\\-;v 
not  her  weapons  prayers,  tears,  and  patience  ?  Did  not  Jesus  conquer 
by  these  weapons,  and  vanquish  cruelty  by  suffering  ?  Can  clubs,  and 
staves,  and  swords,  and  prisons,  and  banishments,  reach  the  soul,  convert 
tha  heart,  or  convince  the  understanding  of  man  ?  When  did  violence 
ever  make  a  true  convert,  or  bodily  punishment  a  sincere  Christian? 
This  maketh  void  the  end  of  Christ's  coming.  Yea,  it  robbeth  God's 
spirit  of  its  office,  which  is  to  convince  the  world.  That  is  the  sword 
by  which  the  ancient  Christians  overcome." 

"  "  The  Monita  et  Statuta  was  promulgated  by  the  English  vicars  apos- 
tolic about  four  years  before.  Its  character  may  be  estimated  by  the 
following  extract :— "  We  (f.  e.  the  bishops)  enjoin  that  the  Catholics 
be  discreetly  warned  against  entering  into  the  society  of  them  who  are 
vulgarly  called  Freemasons.  By  a  response  of  the  sacred  congregation 


NOW   IN    OPERATION.  173 

worst  spirit  of  bigotry,  and  contains  throughout  the 
most  atrocious  and  abominable  falsehoods.  It  is  a  base 
libel  upon  the  memory  of  that  benevolent  prince,  who, 
for  so  many  years,  presided  over  the  English  portion  of 
the  ancient  fraternity,  a  base  libel  upon  those  respected 
prelates  of  the  Protestant  church,  who  have  adorned  and 
supported  the  Order,  and  a  gross  libel  upon  tho  monarchs 
of  the  royal  house  of  Brunswick,  who,  for  so  many 
years,  have  been  amongst  the  warmest  and  most  constant 
patrons.11 

Similar  edicts  have  been  before,  at  various  times, 
given  to  the  world  ;  whence,  then,  arises  such  bitter 
hostility,  and  why  does  popery  dread  the  progress  of 
Freemasonry?  It  is  because  the  two  systems  contain 
antagonistic  principles.  The  pure  doctrines  of  Free- 
masonry—  its  principles  of  universal  beneficence,  its 
charity  and  brotherly  love — and  the  truly  Christian  duties 
which  its  practice  inculcates,  are  utterly  at  variance 
with  that  system  of  superstition  and  bigotry  which, 
under  the  denomination  of  Catholicism,  seeks  to  perpe- 
tuate ignorance  and  error,  fetter  the  conscience,  and  en- 
slave the  mind.  Protestantism  cherishes  and  promotes 
Freemasonry ;  popery  would  persecute  and  suppress  it. 
To  put  the  question,  however,  between  popery  and 
Freemasonry  at  issue,  and  to  show  how  far  the  latter  is 
calculated,  as  represented  by  the  Bishop  of  Malta,12  "  to 
shake  off  the  light  yoke  of  religion,"  and  "  to  disturb 
the  exercise  of  legitimate  authority,"  it  may  not  be  amiss 
to  refer  to  the  charge  which  is  delivered  to  every  Free- 


of  the  holy  office,  July  5,  1837,  it  hath  been  declared,  that  a  confessor 
cannot,  lawfully  or  validly,  grant  sacramental  absolution  to  men  belong- 
ing to  that  society,  in  any  part  of  the  world  soever,  who  are  incorpo- 
rated under,  and  mutually  bound  by,  the  obligations  of  an  oath  of  secrecy, 
except  they  absolutely,  positively,  and  for  ever  abandon  the  aforesaid 
condemned  society." 

11  "  By  toleration  is  meant  conformity,  safety,  and  protection,  granted 
by  the  state  to  every  sect  that  does  not  maintain  doctrines  inconsistent 
with  the  public  peace,  the  rights  of  the  sovereign,  and  the  safety  of  our 
neighbours."  (His  Royal  Highness  the  Duke  of  Sussex.) 

13  Let  the  archbishops  and  bishops  of  the  Roman  Catholic  church  take 
the  trouble  of  going  through  the  history  of  the  past  five  centuries,  and 
they  will  find  that  every  time  the  church  attempted  to  wound  to  the 
heart  the  undoubted  rights  of  any  nation,  so  often  has  she  been  defeated 
by  the  progress  of  public  opinion,  and  compelled  to  seek  refuge  from 
*.he  people  over  whom  she  wished  to  domineer  and  oppress. 


174  PERSECUTIONS   OF   FREEMASONRY 

mason  at  his  initiation,  and  which,  as  comprehending  the 
principles  taught  in  the  "  detestable  lodge,"  will,  per- 
haps, form  the  best  answer  to  the  atrocious  calumnies 
contained  in  the  Pastoral  Letter. 

The  Freemason  is  also  especially  exhorted  to  imprint 
indelibly  on  his  mind  the  sacred  dictates  of  truth,  of 
honour  and  of  virtue. 

Masons  are  there  particularly  directed  to  venerate  the 
volume  of  the  sacred  law  ;  upon  its  sanction  they  are 
obligated,  and  from  its  inspired  pages  all  their  masonic 
teaching  is  derived.  This  sacred  volume,  which  is  de- 
signated the  first  great  light  of  Masonry,  is  never  closed 
in  any  lodge,  and  the  emblems  of  moral  rectitude  are  at 
the  same  time  displayed.  Such  being  the  principles 
upon  which  Freemasonry  is  founded,  teaching,  as  it 
does,  peace  on  earth  and  good-will  towards  mankind,  its 
professors  may  bid  defiance  to  the  slanderous  attacks  of 
bigotry,  and  rest  assured  that  the  light  of  truth  will 
prevail,  and  eventually  overcome  the  powers  of  dark- 
ness.13 

CRUSADE  AGAINST  FREEMASONRY   IN   INDIA. 

The  denunciations  against  Freemasonry,  in  the  two  last 
overland  Spectators,  are  almost  verbatim  those  of  the  worst 
of  the  pope's,  and  the  most  bigoted  of  the  Inquisition's. 
Take  the  following  as  a  specimen  : 

"  If,  then,  the  meaning  of  the  inscription  be,  that  the 
Christian,  the  Hindoo,  the  Mahometan,  and  the  Parsee, 

is  Magna  est  veritas  et  praevalebit.  It  is  wonderful  to  consider  how 
effectually  the  shield  of  protection  has  been  thrown  over  Freemasonry  in 
every  contest  to  which  it  has  been  subjected.  Prejudice  and  malevolence 
united  have  frequently  endeavoured  to  overwhelm  it,  but  it  has  always 
risen  triumphant  over  the  severest  persecutions ;  and,  what  is  more,  has 
come  out  of  every  contest  without  the  slightest  speck  to  sully  the  purity 
of  its  glorious  badge."  Its  principles  are  stainless,  and  nothing  can  pre- 
vail against  it.  As  Dr.  Burnes  very  justly  observed,  in  his  address  to 
the  Brethren  of  the  lodge  at  Poonah,  July  30, 1844,  "  it  is  an  institution 
based  on  that  never-failing  charity  which  upholds  universal  love,  calms 
the  troubled  sea  of  our  evil  passions,  and  leaves  a  smooth  surface,  in 
which  all  men,  who  are  sincere  and  conscientious  worshippers  of  God, 
and  unexceptionable  in  their  moral  conduct,  may  unite,  bless  each  other, 
and  rejoice  in  practically  realizing  the  sublime  sentiment,  that 

"  God  hath  made  mankind  one  mighty  Brotherhood ; 
Himself  their  Master,  and  the  world  their  lodge." 


NOW    IN    OPERATION.  175 

are  all,  according  to,  or  notwithstanding  their  respective 
creeds,  the  approved  and  beloved  children  of  God,  we  can- 
not help  saying,  and  we  do  so  witn  grief  and  bitterness  of 
spirit,  that  the  grand  native  hospital  of  Bombay  is  founded 
upon  a  lie. 

"  The  doctrines  set  forth  in  the  course  of  it  by  the 
Provincial  Grand  Master  of  Masons,  is  entirely  opposed 
to  the  Holy  Scriptures  ;  and,  alas  !  that  it  was  so,  a  num- 
ber of  the  most  distinguished  gentlemen  of  Bombay  who 
were  present,  gave  it  their  unanimous,  their  cordial  con- 
currence ;  not  one  faithful  voice  was  heard  to  raise  itself 
in  that  large  assembly  of  professing  Christians  against 
language  which,  if  believed  and  acted  upon,  must  unavoid- 
ably lead  to  eternal  misery. 

""The  Freemasons'  'charity'  is  unconnected  with  Christ; 
it  is  not,  therefore,  surprising  that  it  is  not  exercised  for 
His  glory  ;  it  can  never,  then,  be  acceptable  in  the  sight  of 
the  Almighty. 

"  I  have  now  proved,  as  I  proposed  at  the  commencement 
of  this  letter,  the  Provincial  Grand  Master's  doctrine  of 
our  holy  religion. 

"  Freemasonry  may  do  for  a  world  of  sin  and  corruption, 
for  vain  people  to  amuse  themselves  with,  but,  being  un- 
Christian,  it  can  lead  to  nothing  but  gross  deception  and 
everlasting  misery.  It  is  a  thing  of  sin  and  evil  in  the 
face  of  it  ;  an  engine  of  Satan  ;  a  tool  much  beloved  of 
him — the  arch  enemy  of  God  and  man,  and  it  is  wonderful 
how  any  man  of  sense  and  discernment  can,  for  a  moment, 
be  taken  with  it.14 

"  There  is  also  no  manner  of  use  in  it ;  for  the  Bible 
teaches  us  everything.  Were  Freemasonry  a  system 


14  Something  similar  to  this  is  the  language  of  a  French  writer,  towards 
the  close  of  the  last  century.  "  The  Freemasons,"  he  says,  "  in  almost 
every  country  have  been  charged  with  the  design  of  destroying  the  reli- 
gion, and  abolishing  the  government.  In  consequence  of  this  they  have 
often  been  persecuted,  and  especially  in  Italy,  where  the  popes  have  issued 
dreadful  fuiminations  against  the  Order.  The  senate  of  Venice,  and  the 
King  of  Sardinia,  have  banished  its  members  from  their  states ;  some 
years  ago  the  Queen  of  Hungary  chased  them  from  her  dominions  ;  in 
Holland  their  assemblies  were  prohibited  by  manifestoes  posted  at  the 
corners  of  the  streets.  Precautions  have  been  taken  to  prevent  their 
increasing  in  the  empire  of  Russia ;  and,  finally,  at  Berne,  in  Switzer- 
land, they  have  been  compelled  on  oath  to  renounce  their  allegiance*  to 
Freemasonry." 


176  PERSECUTIONS    OF   FHEEMA8ONKY 

which  operated  as  an  auxiliary  to  Christianity,  as  Masons 
would  have  us  believe,  and  some  other  persons  aro  led  to 
think,  there  would  be  no  objection  to  it  ;  but  that  the 
direct  contrary  is  the-  fact,  there  can  be  no  sort  of  doubt. 
Its  mystery,  its  closeness,  its  ostentation,  are  all  emblema- 
tical of  the  pride,  selfishness,  and  ungodliness  of  the 
natural,  unregenerate  man.  Its  object  is  temporal  ad- 
vantage only,  and  it  rejects  the  Lord  Jesus  ;  whereas, 
the  foundation  of  Christianity  is  *  Jesus  Christ,  and  he 
crucified  ;  '  and  the  rule,  '  let  your  light  so  shine  before 
men  that  they  may  see  your  good  works,  and  glorify 
your  Father  which  is  in  heaven/  Every  man,  therefore, 
who  has  at  heart  the  great  concerns  of  eternity,  will 
eschew  Freemasonry,  and  esteem  it,  what  in  good  truth 
it  is,  with  its  profane  pageantry  —  an  abomination  in  the 
sight  of  God." 

Now,  putting  charity  out  of  the  question,  although  it 
might  be  some  consideration  to  a  person  professing  him- 
self a  Christian  minister,  to  say  nothing  of  the  chance  of 
exposure,  we  submit  that  a  sensible  man,  and  a  peaceful 
preacher,  would  have  avoided  such  observations  as  these, 
inasmuch  as  they  are  like  a  two-edged  sword,  cutting 
both  ways,  and  likely  very  materially  to  frustrate  rather 
than  to  advance  the  business  of  converting  the  heathen. 
which  should  be  paramount  to  all  other  with  a  mission- 
ary. We  think  the  reverend  gentleman  has  neither  shown 
the  wisdom  of  the  serpent,  nor  the  innocence  of  the  dove, 
in  giving  vent  to  them.15 


15  It  is  truly  wonderful  that  individuals  should  exist  who  can  have  the 
hardihood  to  risk  their  reputation  by  a  public  condemnation  of  what 
they  have  no  opportunity  of  understanding  ;  their  arguments  are  sure  to 
turn  against  themselves,  because  they  are  grounded  on  erroneous  data, 
being  the  offspring  of  prejudice  or  idle  conjecture  ;  and  we  would  recom- 
mend all  such  inconsiderate  persons  to  read  the  following  masonic  defini- 
tion of  truth,  before  they  place  themselves  in  such  an  unfortunate  pi*i- 
tion  :—  "  Truth  is  the  foundation  of  virtue.  He  who  walks  by  its  light, 
has  the  advantage  of  the  meridian  sun  ;  while  he  who  spurns  it,  is  involved 
in  clouds  and  darkness.  There  is  no  way  in  which  a  man  strenghtens  his 
own  judgment,  and  acquires  respect  in  'society,  so  surely  as  by  a  scrupu- 
lous regard  to  truth.  The  course  of  such  an  individual  is  a  straightfor- 
ward course.  He  is  no  changeling,  saying  one  thing  to-day  and  another 
to-morrow.  Truth  is  to  him  like'  the  mountain  landmark  to  the  pilot  ; 
he  fixes  his  eye  upon  a  point  that  does  not  move,  and  he  enters  the  har- 
bour in  safety.  On  the  contrary,  one  who  despises  truth,  and  loves  false- 


NOW    IN    OPERATION.  177 

The  labourer  is  worthy  of  his  hire  ;  but  it  is  i'mplied 
that  he  is  to  do  the  work  of  his  Master,  not  only  zea- 
lously, but  discreetly  and  peaceably  ;  and  as  Christians 
deeply  and  devoutly  attached  to  the  creed  of  our  fore- 
fathers, we  ask  the  Missionary  Society,  which  deputed  this 
gentleman  to  Bombay,  whether  they  sanction  the  indul- 
gence of  his  outpourings  against  a  number  of  the  most 
distinguished  gentlemen  of  Bombay,  to  the  manifest  injury 
of  that  solemn  and  sacred  cause  to  which  lie  has  bound 
himself,  and  whether  that  great  cause  can  be  advanced 
by  his  proclaiming  those  distinguished  gentlemen  "  anti- 
Christians?"  Can  he  now  hope  for  success  in  his  mis- 
sionary efforts?16  Well  may  the  Hindoo,  the  Parsee,  and 
Mahometan,  tell  him  to  go  and  convert  the  most  distin- 
guished of  his  own  countrymen  before  he  intermeddles  with 
them  ! 

With  respect  to  the  extracts  which  have  been  given 
from  the  Provincial  Grand  Master's  speech,  there  is  not  one 
which  *has  not  been  either  misquoted  or  misrepresented  ; 
and  this  is  the  less  justifiable,  as  he  expresses  his  fear  that 
neither  he  (the  Provincial  Grand  Master)  nor  any  of  the 
fraternity  may  be  at  liberty  to  reply ! 

To  mercilessly  attack  a  person  who,  from  peculiar 
circumstances,  is  unable  to  defend  himself  from  the  vio- 
lence, is  a  thing  so  dastardly,  as  to  be  stamped  with  the 
universal  detestation  of  mankind.17  Of  a  piece  with  it 


hood,  is  like  a  pilot  who  takes  a  piece  of  drift-wood  for  his  landmark, 
which  changes  with  every  changing  wave.  On  this  he  fixes  his  atten- 
tion, and  being  insensibly  led  from  his  course,  strikes  upon  some  hidden 
reef,  and  sinks  to  rise  no  more." 

16  We  answer,  no.     The  missionary  duties  admit  of  no  contention— no 
compromise.     Christian  institutions  are  not  proper  objects  of  attack  to 
the  Christian  minister,  and  least  of  all  to  the  missionary,  who  ought  to 
be  an  example  of  patience,  gentleness,  courtesy,  and  every  other  virtue, 
and  to  conciliate  esteem  by  kindness  and  forbearance,  rather  than  pro-, 
voke  hostility  and  foster  rivalry,  by  the  indulgence  of  envy  or  jealousy,, 
or   he  exhibition  of  an  intolerant  and  persecuting  spirit. 

17  The  persecution  of  Masonry  in  the  United  States  during  the  Morgan 
excitement  was  intended  to  destroy  its  existence.    The  prejudices  of  the 
people  were  excited — the  energies  of  the  entire  Union  were  fearfully  ar- 
rayed against  it — and  all  in  vain.     Its  purity  was  its  protection  ;  and 
the  Grand  Master  of  Ohio,  in  an  address  to  the  Grand  Lodgo  in  18-15, 
said  : — "  It  affords  me  pleasure  to  be  able  to  announce  to  you  my  belief, 
that  the  Order  of  Freemasonry  now  enjoys  throughout  our  country,  and 
especially  within  our  jurisdiction,  an  exemption  from  the  malign  influences 
3f  envy  and  detraction,  in  a  degree  rarely  before  experienced  ;  that  it  is 


178  PERSECUTIONS   OF   FREEMASONRY 

is  the  calumny  thrown  upon  Masonry  by  many  who  are 
fully  aware  that  the  Brethren  are  bound  by  their  obliga- 
tion to  a  secrecy  which  would  be  broken  were  they  to 
attempt  to  disprove  the  slander  which  is  thrown  upon 
their  doctrines;18  a  slander  not  fixed  upon  them  with 
even  the  semblance  of  justice,  but  hurled  with  blind  and 
bigoted  fury  against  a  system  of  which  the  slanderers 
know  nothing,  and  can  have,  therefore,  no  just  grounds 
for  either  praise  or  censure.19  I  am  sure  that  no  man 
endowed  with  that  beautiful  charity  so  eloquently  dilated 
upon  by  St.  Paul,  could,  or  would,  raise  his  voice  against 
the  internals  of  a  system  of  which  he  is  ignorant  — 


keeping  pace  with  the  onward  progress  of  civilizaton  and  art,  and  gradu- 
ally making  its  way  into  the  favourable  consideration  of  an  unprejudiced 
and  intelligent  community.  Lodges  which,  long  since,  fell  into  listless 
suspense,  are  arousing  themselves  to  active  duty,  and  burnishing  anrw 
their  jewels  which  had  become  dim  from  long  neglect  and  disuse  ;  and 
new  lodges  are  springing  into  being  in  districts  where  hitherto  our  : 
have  been  wholly  unpractised  and  unknown." 

13  And  what  right  have  our  opponents  to  expect  an  honest  man  to 
break  his  word  ?  Every  person's  secrets  are  a  sacred  deposit — they  ivst 
between  him  and  his  God.  And  no  one,  but  least  of  all,  a  professor  of 
religion,  has  authority  to  demand  a  revelation  of  those  secrets  ;  because 
it  would  involve  a  breach  of  faith,  a  renunciation  of  principle,  and  a  stum 
on  the  veracity  and  honour.  Mat.  Lewis  saw  this  in  its  best  light,  when, 
in  one  of  his  dramas,  he  represents  a  person  tampering  with  a  servant  to 
betray  some  confidence  which  had  been  reposed  in  him.  The  conversa- 
tion conalules  with  the  servant  asking  his  interlocutor — "  Can  you  ktv-p 
a  secret  ?"  He  replies — "  Faithfully."  And  the  servant  very  properly 
replies—"  As  faithfully  can  I."  This  is  the  answer  which  should  invari- 
ably be  given  to  all  such  unreasonable  querists. 

13  A  writer  in  Moore's  Masonic  Magazine  says  : — "  It  is  often  asked,  if 
the  secrets  of  Masonry  be  of  any  value,  why  not  make  them  known  ?  If 
they  be  useless,  why  guard  them  with  such  scrupulous  and  sensitive  can- '.' 
We  do  not  complain  of  the  motive  which  prompts  these  inquiries.  We 
are  not  disposed  to  regard  them  as  impertinent  or  unnatural.  It  is  not 
within  the  province  of  the  will  alone,  that  men  derive  the  power  or  the 
disposition  to  think  or  to  question.  It  is  in  the  nature  of  the  human 
mind  itself.  The  Almighty  has  implanted  in  the  soul  of  man  desires  that 
must  be  gratified,  and  faculties  of  thought  which  are  ever  active  in  inves- 
tigating the  nature  and  uses  of  things."  This  is  well,  but  there  is  a  point 
boyond  which  it  is  indecent  to  go.  When  men  inquire  into  secrets  which 
coimot  be  betrayed  without  running  into  sin,  they  exceed  their  duties, 
and  must  not  complain  if  they  be  disappointed  in  the  object  of  their 
inquiry.  But  it  is  the  province  of  the  minister  of  the  gospel  to  direct 
mankind  into  the  paths  of  virtue ;  and  therefore  he  is  not  only  over- 
stopping  the  boundaries  of  duty,  but  of  prudence  also,  when  he  ventures 
to  make  improper  inquiries  into  the  secrets  of  Freemasonry ;  because  if 
he  should  succeed  in  inducing  a  weak  Brother  to  comply  with  the 
request,  he  would  be  the  means  of  leading  him  Into  deadly  sin. 


NOW    IN    OPERATION.  179 

whose  externals  all  must  acknowledge  to  be  founded 
upon  the  plain  and  evident  will  of  God,  as  revealed  in  His 
holy  word.20 

"  Pure  religion  and  undefiled  before  God  and  the 
Father,"  says  St.  James,  "  is  this — to  visit  the  fatherless 
and  widows  in  their  affliction,  and  to  keep  himself  un- 
spotted from  the  world."  Who  will  deny  that  this  is  the 
very  basis  on  which  Masonry  is  founded  ?  Let-  him  who 
would  do  so,  look  to  our  schools  for  the  nurture  of  the 
young,  our  asylum  for  the  shelter  of  the  aged,  and  the 
countless  acts  of  individual  charity  whose  very  fount  and 
spring  is  Masonry.21  To  him  who  does  deny  it,  the 
tongue  of  the  widow  and  fatherless — the  voice  of  destitute 
age,  and  unprotected  youth,  snatched  from  misery,  ruin, 
and  despair,  and  fostered  in  the  maternal  bosom  of  Ma- 
sonry, will  rise  above  the  futile  effort  at  detraction,  and 
cry  :  "  Thou  liest" — knowingly  and  wantonly  in  the  face 
of  facts  which  he  who  runs  may  read  ;  may  see  stamped 
upon  every  stone  of  that  beautiful  fabric,  whose  pinnacles 
glitter  in  the  sun  to  the  glory  of  our  God,  and  the  benefit 
of  our  fellow- men. 

Is  Freemasonry  unconnected  with  Christ  ?  does  it 
reject  the  Lord  Jesus,  as  some  would  intimate  ?  I  deny 
it  firmly,  zealously,  truly.  Does  the  Christian  divine 
leave  unread  and  unstudied  the  Old  Testament,  with 
its  hallowed  poetry,  its  splendid  imagery,  and  mystic 
types,  the  forerunners  of  that  more  full  and  perfect  day 
which  was  to  dawn  upon  the  benighted  heart  of  man? 


20  Nothing  can  be  clearer  than  this  proposition.     Every  rite  and  cere- 
mony bears  a  reference  to  the  usages  of  holy  writ,  and  the  doctrines  are 
all  drawn  from  the  same  fountain.     If  I  were  to  subjoin  a  catalogue  of 
the  texts  of  scripture  which  are  referred  to  in  the  several  degrees  of 
Masonry,  there  would  scarcely  be  a  single  book  unquoted ;  and  in  many 
cases  the  illustrations  would  embrace  entire  chapters  both  of  the  Old 
and  New  Testament. 

21  There  is  no  single  institution  in  existence  which  embraces  so  many 
and  various  displays  of  benevolence ;  and  therefore  the  Free  and  Ac- 
cepted Mason  experiences  more  of  that  pleasing  degree  of  satisfaction 
which  always  attends  the  dispensations  of  benevolence,  than  any  other 
man.     Instances  of  the  rapturous  emotions  of  joy  and  gratitude  which 
animate  the  bosoms  of  those  on  whom  benefits  have  been  conferred,  are 
frequent  to  the  members  of  those  boards  which  are  the  authorized  dis- 
pensers of  masonic  benevolence,  and  excite  in  their  own  bosoms  a  cor- 
responding sentiment  of  unfeigned  delight.     Inopi  beneficium  bis  dat 
qui  dat  ceLeriter. 


180  PERSECUTIONS    OF   FREEMASONRY 

No!  useful — pre-eminently  so — is  that  record  of  (ln-1's 
dealings  with  his  people,  to  the  proper  understanding  of 
his  infinite  grace,  and  man's  great  salvation/-'  Tin; 
science  of  Masonry  stands  in  the  same  relation  to  Chris 
tianity  ;  or,  perhaps,  more  correctly  speaking,  it  is  the 
spiritual  essence  of  the  old  law,  not  extending  to  the 
height  and  sublimity  of  the  new  covenant,  but  a  stop  in 
advance— not  in  the  spiritual  meaning  of  the  old  law, 
but  of  man's  interpretation  of  it ;  a  more  spiritual,  and, 
therefore,  more  correct  reading  of  it  than  that  followed 
by  the  mass  of  the  people,  who  looked  more  to  the 
letter,  and  understood  not  that  fulfilling  of  the  law,  a- 
defined  by  Christ,  -vhen  he  declared  the  law  broken  by 
him  who  even  gazed  on  a  woman  to  lust  after  her.  If 
they  to  whom  this  exceeding  knowledge  was  communi- 
cated, concealed  it  from  those  whose  tongue  was  more 
ready  to  scoff  than  pray,  and  communicated  it  to  those, 
and  those  alone,  who  loved  their  God  with  all  their  heart, 
and  their  neighbour  as  themselves,  does  it  follow  that  that 
secrecy  was  sinful  ? 

None  know  but  the  initiated,  how  beautifully  Masonry 
harmonizes  with  the  doctrines  of  the  +.23  As  the. mysti- 
cal types  and  allegory  of  the  old  law  became  plain  upon 


M  An  intelligent  Brother  has  furnished  me  with  the  following  curious 
illustration  : — "  After  our  Lord's  resurrection,  the  disciples  changed  their 
day  of  assembling  together,  or  as  we  should  call  it,  their  lodge  day,  from 
the  seventh  to  the  first  day  of  the  week  ;  and  on  that  day  Jesus*  Christ 
appeared  to  Mary,  and  directed  her  to  go  to  his  Brethren,  and  inform 
them  that  he  was  about  to  ascend  to  the  grand  lodge  above,  into  the  pre- 
sence of  Him  who  was  both  his  Father  and  their  Father ;  and  on  the 
same  day  at  evening,  when  they  were  Assembled  (which  custom  has  been 
preserved  among  ourselves,  Masons'  lodges  being  usually-held  in  an  even- 
ing), the  doors  being  shut  where  they  were  assembled  for  fear  of  the 
Jews,  or  in  other  words,  the  lodge  being  closely  tyled  for  fear  of  cowans, 
came  Jesus  and  stood  in  the  midst  of  them,  making  use  of  that  masonic 
greeting — Peace  be  with  you.  Our  Brethren  would  naturally  feel  sur- 
prised at  the  presence  of  a  stranger,  standing  like  the  point  within  a 
circle,  when  the  lodge  was  closely  tyled ;  but  when  he  had  given  them 
proofs,  by  showing  them  those  signs  of  distress  in  his  hands  and  his 
side,  that  he  was  their  Brother,  and  a  partaker  of  the  same  hope  ;  when 
he  displayed  the  wound  produced  by  some  sharp-pointed  instrument  in 
his  naked  left  breast,  they  hailed  him  as  a  Brother,  and  received  at  his 
hands  the  divine  benediction." 

23  It  is  rather  strange  that  a  Brother  should  be  found,  who  can  per- 
suade himself  that  Masonry  contains  no  reference  to  religion,  when  the 
very  first  step  which  he  made  in  advancing  to  the  floor  of  the  lodge,  was 
attended  with  an  acknowledgment  that  he  believes  in  an  omnipresent 


NOW   IN    OPERATION.  181 

the  rising  of  the  Sun  of  Christ,  so  has  that  day-spring 
from  on  high  cleared  the  mists  which.  I  confess,  hung 
upon  our  beautiful  science.24  Reject  Christ !  I  am  cer- 
tain every  real  Mason's  heart  will  swell  with  indignation 
at  the  foul  charge. 

Masonry  is  also  accused  of  ostentation.  Oh !  were  the 
deep  sense  of  degradation  which  that  seeming  ostentation 
inspires  thoroughly  known,  the  world  would  own  that 
the  ostentation  of  Masonry  is  but  humility. 

Despite  the  attacks  of  foes,  the  indiscretion  of  friends, 
and  the  lapse  of  time,  Masonry  still  prospers,  and  still 
shall  prosper,  on  earth,  until  the  Great  Architect  of  the 
Universe  shall,  in  his  infinite  goodness,  translate  it  into 
the  heaven  of  heavens,  where  we  shall  no  longer  see 
through  a  glass  darkly,  but  face  to  face. 

ATTACK   ON  MASONRY   IN  IRELAND. 

The  "  Tablet "  weekly  Catholic  newspaper  has  ejected 
a  shower  of  abuse  upon  the  devoted  heads  of  ALL  Pro- 
testants and  ALL  Freemasons,25  which  may  require  a  few 
words  in  reply.  On  the  20th  of  July,  1844,  this  censor 
morum  of  bishops,  priests,  laymen,  Protestants,  and  Free- 
masons, thought  fit  to  publish  his  censures — to  fulminate 

Deity,  and  that  he  puts  his  trust  in  that  great  and  omnipotent  Being  to 
shield  him  from  danger,  and  to  remove  his  apprehensions  of  evil ;  and 
when  the  first  lesson  which  was  taught  him  at  his  initiation,  was  to 
persevere  in  the  constant  study  of  the  Holy  Bible,  as  the  sacred  source 
of  his  faith  and  hope,  and  containing  the  only  certain  information  on  a 
subject  the  most  interesting  to  a  responsible  agent ;  and  to  practise  the 
three  great  duties  of  morality,  the  first  and  most  important  of  which  is, 
his  duty  to  God. 

i4  We  allegorize  the  building  of  the  temple  thus : — "  The  stones  were 
carved,  marked,  and  numbered  in  the  quarry  from  whence  they  were, 
hewn ;  the  timber  was  prepared  and  marked  in  the  forest ;  and  when 
brought  to  Jerusalem  and  put  together,  each  part  fitted  with  such  per- 
fect exactness,  as  made  it  appear  rather  the  work  of  the  Great  Architect 
of  the  Universe,  than  an  exertion  of  human  skill."  Every  Christian  is 
a  stone  in  this  spiritual  edifice,  which,  when  properly  modelled  and 
polished  by  tho  exercise  of  religion  and  the  practice  of  morality,  and 
fitted  for  translation  to  a  celestial  building,  he  is  cemented  with  his  per- 
fected Brethren,  by  charity,  into  a  beautiful  temple  prepared  on  earth, 
and  put  together  in  heaven. 

25  That  worthy  coadjutor  of  the  Tablet,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Burke,  has  re- 
ceived a  signal  castigation  from  the  pen  of  a  "  Catholic  Freemason,"  in 
an  article  that  appeared  lately  in  the  Nenagh  Guardian,  which  is  ex- 
tremely well  written,  and  calculated  to  apply  an  antidote  to  the  poison 
which  the  Tablet  has  spirted  on  all  within  its  influence. 


182  PERSECUTIONS   OF   FBEBMA8ONRY 

his  anathemas  and  to  pronounce  his  excommunications 
in  the  following  quaint,  but  ignorant  enunciations  : — 

*' Who  are — and  who  are  not  excommunicated?  ALL 
Protestants  of  course."  "And  ALL  Freemasons?  Many 
loyal  and  contented  Freemasons  pass  generally  for  Ca- 
tholics."" 

But,  thank  God!  exclaims  a  "Catholic  Freemason," 
such  is  not  the  creed  of  the  Roman  Catholic  church  ;  our 
church  never  did  teach  the  condemnation  of  the  invin- 
cibly ignorant ;  therefore  ALL  Protestants  are  not  excom- 
municated.27 

Many  thousands  have  entered  "  secret  societies,"  who 
never  saw  or  heard  of  the  papal  decrees  against  Freema- 
sons. If  there  be  any  such  who  have  entered  "  secret 
associations"  in  ignorance,  of  any  doubts  upon  the  matter 
— I  have  known  many — the  Roman  Catholic  church  never 
did  affirm  that  such  persons  are  excommunicated ;  there- 
fore ALL  Freemasons  are  not  excommunicated.28 

36  The  Archbishop  of  Tuam  has  issued  a  fulminating  letter  against  the 
Freemasons,  addressed  to  a  Roimn  Catholic  priest  in  Canada,  a  copy  of 
which  I  subjoin.  "  Rev.  dear  Sir, — Having  been  informed  by  you,  that 
there  are  in  Canada  some  misguided  Catholics  who,  striving  to  justify 
the  practices  of  Freemasonry,  scruple  not  to  assert  that  it  was  sanctioned 
by  priests  and  bishops  in  Ireland,  allow  me  to  tell  you  that  this  was 
never  the  case  ;  and  that  those  men  are  only  aggravating  their  disobedi- 
ence to  the  church  by  the  additional  guilt  of  calumny ;  I  have  had  ex- 
tensive acquaintance,  not  only  with  the  present  race  of  ecclesiastics,  but 
also  with  some  of  those  venerable  men  of  more  ancient  standing,  some 
of  whom  are  no  more,  and  I  can  confidently  state,  that  neither  in  this 
city,  nor  in  any  other  part  of  Ireland,  was  the  bond  of  Masonry  sanc- 
tioned by  any  other  portion  of  the  clergy.  That  Freemasons'  lodges 
were  then  more  numerous  and  frequent  than  now,  may  be  true ;  but  their 
existence,  in  contempt  and  defiance  of  the  repeated  denunciations  of  the 
clergy,  cannot  be  brought  as  an  argument  of  their  sanctioning  the  sys- 
tem, more  than  the  prevalence  of  other  evils,  against  which  they  do  not 
cease  to  raise  their  voices,  could  be  adduced  as  a  proof  of  similar  conni- 
vance. I  am,  &c.  To  the  Rev.  J.  H.  M'Donough." 

27  The  liberal  professors  of  the  Roman  Catholic  system  of  religion  are 
incapable  of  giving  their  sanction  to  the  encroachments  of  a  persecuting 
church.  And  though  some  of  the  more  precise  members  of  our  Order 
might  be  prevailed  on,  by  the  admonitions  of  a  respected  priest,  to  with- 
draw their  membership  from  the  Order,  yet  they  would  not  become 
parties  in  the  oppression  of  those  who,  from  motives  equally  conscien- 
tious, still  hold  on  their  allegiance  to  the  lodge.  Freedom  of  opinion,  in 
this  respect,  is  surely  neither  criminal,  nor  at  variance  with  any  precept 
in  the  gospel  of  Christ.  It  will  be  unnecessary  to  add,  that  the  reply  in 
the  text  was  written  by  a  Roman  Catholic  Brother. 

w  The  wiseacres  of  the  Tablet  prove  their  point  thus  : — an  infidel  is  u 


NOW    IN    OPERATION.  183 

In  polemical  antagonism,  and  political  discussion,  in- 
dividual  considerations  should  be  merged,  lest  truth  and 
justice  might  suffer  from  deference  to  personal  feeling, 
or  mistaken  courtesy.  Truth  requires  that  I  should  state 
the  fact,  that  nearly  all  objectors  appear  to  be  not  only 
totally  unacquainted  with  Freemasonry,29  but  to  exhibit 
the  vague  hostility  of  preconceived  opinions  and  feelings 
on  the  subject,  founded  upon  certain  erroneous  notions 
they  seem  determined  to  carry  out  at  all  hazards,  rather 
than  yield  to  the  charitable  disposition  of  ascertaining 
the  truth,  and  showing  lenity  towards  supposed  mis- 
guided neighbours.  They  boldly  assert  their  own  chi- 
merical fancies,  as  if  derived  from  authority  which  no- 
where supports  them.  Many  appear  to  be  enthusiasts, 
who,  in  the  public  display  of  their  zeal  for  religious  mo- 
rality, form  hasty,  if  not  uncharitable  conclusions,  and 
hazard  opinions  upon  subjects  they  never  cared  to  under- 
stand.30 


man — but  a  Freemason  is  a  man — and  therefore  a  Freemason  is  an  infi- 
del !  whence  they  deduce  this  admirable  syllogism  : — An  infidel  is  excom- 
municate— but  a  Freemason  is  an  infidel— and  therefore  a  Freemason  is 
excommunicate.  Such  reasoning  as  this  is  considered  sound  and  conclu- 
sive when  applied  by  prejudice  to  our  sublime  institution  ! 

29  Because  those  who  are  acquainted  with  the  Order  find  nothing  ob- 
jectionable either  in  its  doctrine  or  discipline.     And  for  this  reason  it  is 
that  worthy  men  are  invited  to  enter  the  society,  that  they  may  have  an 
opportunity  of  ascertaining  whether  their  preconceived  notions  be  borne 
out  by  facts.     And  it  is  to  the  credit  of  Freemasonry  that  such  an  ex- 
periment has  in  all  cases  been  successful.     Even  those  Brethren  who  have 
been  induced  to  leave  it  under  any  temporary  cause  of  disgust,  have  not 
been  able  to  lay  the  blame  on  any  defect  in  the  system,  as  it  is  practised 
in  the  lodges.     The  reasons  for  their  defection  have  been  merely  personal, 
arising  out  of  a  dispute  with  an  individual  Brother,  or  an  objection  to 
some  local  arrangement,  but  never  from  a  want  of  purity  in  the  construc- 
tion of  the  Order. 

30  One  of  the  existing  causes  of  this  unholy  crusade  against  Freema- 
sonry is   envy.     From   this  source   the  uninitiated   antimasons   of  the 
United  States,  about  twenty  years  ago,  were  led  to  vent  their  spleen  by 
such  remarks  as  these,  which  have  been  extracted  from  a  periodical  o*f 
the  day.     "  The   blushing  honours   of  Masonry  continue    to   adorn   the 
names  of  legislators  and  magistrates.     It  is  not  too  much  to  suppose  that 
the  unhallowed  oaths  of  Masonry  have  a'  corrupt  influence  on  their  hearts. 
Men  who  will  consent  to  stand  out  arrayed  in  the  high  priesthood  of  an 
Order  notoriously  sworn  to  keep  each  other's  secrets,  in  all  cases  what- 
soever, and  to  obey  each  other's  signs  of  distress  at  the  hazard  of  life, 
without  stopping  to  inquire  into  the  nature  of  that  distress,  whether  it 
be  right  or  wrong,  are  called  Freemasons — t/ie  most  ancient  and  honourn- 
bi?  fraternity  of  Freemasons      Call  them  by  what  name  you  will,  adorn 


184  PERSECUTIONS   OF   FREEMASONRY 

Before  proceeding  further  I  must  repeat,  in  order  to 
save  all  misconception,  that  I  utterly  repudiate  the  slight- 
est opposition  to  lawful  authority.  I  deem  ir  necessary 
also  to  state  that  I  use  the  words  pro/t ihlt  and  com/nun  in 
restricted  senses,  and  not  indiscriminately,  after  the  man- 
ner of  the  "  Tablet."31  The  church  or  our  bishops  may 
prohibit  anything,  on  account  of  abuse  or  misuse,  with- 
out condemning  it  as  immoral.  In  England  our  bishops 
have  felt  it  necessary  to  use  their  discretion  in  prohibit- 
ing our  clergy  from  losing  their  time  attending  public 
theatres,  oratorios,  concerts,  and  balls,  which  are  not  on 
that  account  condemned  as  immoral.  In  England  mem- 
bers of  the  theatrical  profession  are  admitted  to  the 
sacraments — in  France  they  are  denied  Christian  burial. 
As  a  layman  my  object  is  not  to  expound  the  laws  of  the 
church,  but  simply  to  disprove  the  arrogant  and  un- 
charitable assumptions,  the  monstrous  lay-censorship  of 
the  "  Tablet,"  arid  gratuitous  allegations  in  respect  of 
British  Freemasons,  Odd  Fellows,  Rechabites  (Temper- 
ance), Ancient  Druids,  and  the  like  convivial  and  charit- 
able u  secret  societies,"  having  no  concern  with  either 
politics  or  religion.32 

them  with  private  virtues,  with  public  usefulness,  with  intellectual  attain- 
ments, nevertheless  such  men  deserve  to  be  pointed  at  in  their  most  ex- 
cellent titles,  in  their  pontifical  mitres  and  robes,  and  to  be  distrusted  in 
the  impartial  discharge  of  official  duties." 

31  It  is  to  be  regretted  that  men  so  learned  and  distinguished  as  the 
bishops  of  any  church,  should  suffer  themselves  to  be  so  far  led  away  by 
prejudice,  as  to  fulminate  anathemas  against  an  institution  which  num- 
bers in  its  ranks  so  many  of  the  higher  classes,  who  have  been  as  well 
educated,  and  are  consequently  as  capable  of  judging  as  themselves.    The 
«princes  and  peers  of  any  community  are  an  ample  guarantee  that  the  so- 
cieties which  they  patronize  do  not  contain  any  elements  which  are  hos- 
tile to  its  social  institutions,  or  at  variance  with  the  precepts  of  religion 
or  sound  morality.    This  ought  to  furnish  the  ecclesiastical  dignitaries 
with  an  incontrovertible  evidence  of  the  purity  of  proceedings,  which,  if 
their  sacred  station  renders  the  propriety  of  their  personal  participation 
in  them  doubtful,  should  be  sufficient  to  exempt  the  Order  from  suspi- 
cion, and  relieve  it  from  the  disheartening  effects  of  official  interference. 

32  That  the  decrees  of  the  pontiffs  were  not  provoked  by  the  illegal 
opinions,  and  auti-christian  dogmas,  propagated  by  British  Freemasons, 
no  one  can  assert ;  that  they  were  not  published  specially  to  extirpate 
British  Freemasonry,  which  repudiates  the  very  opinions  and  doctrines 
condemned,  may  be  safely  affirmed,  without  danger  of  trenching  upon 
ecclesiastical  ground.     Have,  then,  our  bishops,  in  consequence  of  the 
political  occurrences  in  Canada,  impugned  in  the  letter  of  the  Roman 
Catholic  Archbishop  of  Tuam,  and  the  late  combination  of  trades'  unions 


NOW    IN    OPKKATIDX.  185 

FIRST  OBJECTION. — An  Oath;  Truth,  Justice,  and  Judg- 
ment.— That  a  secret  oath  is  forbidden  by  the  pontifical 
constitutions,  therefore  immoral. 

That  an  oath  or  affirmation  should  be  conformable  to 
the  words  of  Jeremiah  (iv.  7),  "  Thou  shalt  swear,  saith 
the  Lord,  in  truth,  injustice,  and  in  judgment." 

Our  Christian  doctrine  teaches,  that  by  the  command- 
ment— "Thou  shalt  not  take  the  name  of  the  Lord  thy 
God  in  vain" — are  forbidden,  "all  false,  rash,  and  un- 
necessary oaths breaking  of  lawful  oaths  or 

vows,  and  making  or  keeping  unlawful  ones." 

An  oath  is  lawful,  "when  God's  honour,  our  own,  or 
neighbour's  good  requires  it." 

Therefore  the  oath  or  affirmation  of  a  Freemason, 
Odd  Fellow,  Rechabite  (Temperance),  Ancient  Druid, 
and  the  like,  who  swear  to  keep  secret  that  of  which 
they  have  no  foreknowledge,  and  who  are  compelled  to 
take  an  oath  without  previously  knowing  the  import  be- 
fore admission,  are  deficient  in  those  requisite  attributes; 
therefore  rash  and  immoral. 

NOT  so, — 

Because  oaths  are  sanctioned  by  scripture,33  and  no 
council  of  the  church  has  ever  condemned  the  taking 

in  England  and  Ireland,  condemned  in  their  pastorals,  felt  it  necessary  to 
include  in  their  denunciations,  British  Freemasons,  Odd  Fellows,  Kechab- 
ites,  Ancient  Druids,  Foresters,  and  other  harmless,  charitable,  and  con- 
vivial societies,  few,  if  any  of  which  are  known  to  be  bound  by  oaths, 
with  such  like  combinators  and  conspirators  ?  No  clergyman  will  afford 
a  more  positive  solution  of  this  question,  than  a  reference  to  the  Alia 
Observanda,  by  which  he  is  guided.  (F.  Q.  E.  1845,  p.  17,  written  by 
the  intelligent  author  of  the  above  portion  of  the  text.) 

33  Thus  Abimelech  called  upon  Abraham  to  "  swear  unto  him  by  God." 
(Gen.  xxi.  23.)  This  kind  of  oath  appears  not  only  to  have  been  gene- 
rally in  use  in  the  time  of  Abraham,  but  also  to  have  descended  through 
many  generations  and  ages  in  the  East.  When  Mr.  Bruce  was  at  Shekh 
Ammer,  he  entreated  the  protection  of  the  governor  in  prosecuting  his 
journey.  Speaking  of  the  people  who  were  assembled  together  at  this 
time  in  the  house,  he  says  (Travels,  vol.  i.  p.  148)  :  4i  The  great  people 
among  them  came,  and,  after  joining  hands,  repeated  a  kind  of  prayer, 
of  about  two  minutes  long,  by  which  they  declared  themselves  and  their 
children  accursed,  if  ever  they  lifted  up  their  hands  against  me  in  the 
field  or  in  the  desert ;  and  in  case  that  I,  or  mine,  should  flee  to  them  for 
refuge,  they  would  protect  us  at  the  risk  of  their  lives  and  fortunes ;  or, 
as  they  emphatically  expressed  it,  to  the  death  of  the  last  male  child 
among  them." 


186  PRBKCUTIONS    OF    FKEKMAS'  >NRY 

of  an  oath  ;  and  there  is  no  proof  that  Freemasons  are 
compelled  to  take  an  oath  ;  for  there  are  many  other 
secret  societies  to  which  members  are  bound  by  promise 
only,  or  by  subscription  to  the  rules  and  regulations. 

Because  the  tenor  of  the  oath  or  affirmation  attri- 
buted to  Freemasons  must  be  of  the  same  import  as  that 
imposed  upon  every  member  of  her  majesty's  privy  coun- 
cil, secret  committees  of  the  houses  of  parliament,  and 
courts-martial  ;  those  required  at  the  Bank  of  England 
and  East  India  House,  binding  parties  to  keep  secret 
whatever  may  be  brought  before  them  in  future  in  their 
respective  capacities;34  freemen  of  municipal  corpora- 
tions, and  the  like  ;  and  apprentices,  who  are  sometimes 
bound  by  oath  to  keep  their  masters'  secrets;  also  direc- 
tors and  members  of  cornme  cial  unions  and  associations 
are  sworn  to  secrecy  of  the  future,  of  which  they  have 
no  foreknowledge,  and  without  previously  knowing  the 
import  of  those  oaths.  Such  oaths  being  deemed  in 
strict  accordance  with  Christian  morals,  so  must  be  those 
of  a  Freemason,  and  the  like. 

Because  between  them  there  is  no  distinction  in  effect, 
the  only  difference  being,  that  one  is  a  judicial  oath,  im- 
posed by  the  laws,  and  compulsory,  the  other  is  extra 
judicial,  not  forbidden  by  the  laws,  sanctioned  by  the 
custom  of  ages,  by  millions  of  the  great  and  good  from 
time  immemorial,  bishops  and  clergymen  innumerable, 
never  compulsory,  and  always  voluntary  ;  therefore  in 
strict  accordance  with  the  laws  of  Christian  morality.35 

34  In  the  United  States  every  public  body  was  filled  with  members  of 
the  fraternity ;  and  this  created  so  much  jealousy,  as  to  form  one  of  the 
many  causes  of  the  great  persecution.  Thus,  a  writer  against  the  Order 
said  :  "  If  the  names  of  the  members  of  every  Chapter  in  the  Union  could 
be  obtained,  it  would  be  found  that  at  least  the  same  proportion  of  their 
members  hold  public  offices,  and  receive  annually  a  greater  amount  of 
money  than  any  other  body  of  men."  In  another  periodical  it  is  stated, 
that  "the  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  Pittsburg  contains  fifty  members, 
eight  of  whom  receive  from  the  public  treasury,  by  way  of  salary  for  the 
offices  they  hold,  $11,400  annually."  The  writer  then  goes  on  to  say  : 
"  Let  the  people  look  seriously  at  this  matter,  and  ask  themselves  whether 
all  this  is  the  effect  of  mere  accident,  or  whether  it  is  not  brought  about 
by  a  systematized  plan  of  operations,  arranged  and  settled  upon  within 
the  walls  of  a  lodge-room  ?" 

36  The  ancient  mode  of  taking  an  oath  appears  to  have  been  by  lifting 
up  the  hand  to  heaven,  as  if  calling  upon  God  to  attest  the  truth  of  that 
which  is  affirmed.  (Gen.  xiv.  22.)  And  this  method  appears  to  have  had 


NOW    IN    OPERATION.  187 

Because  every  candidate  is  obliged  to  submit  to  a  rigor- 
ous examination,  and  fully  instructed  upon  the  serious 
nature  of  his  obligations  previous  to  admission  ;  there- 
fore in  perfect  accordance  with  the  laws  of  good  morals. 

Because  the  oaths  attributed  to  Freemasons  are  said 
to  be  found  in  books,  though  said  to  be  published  with- 
out authority ;  therefore  cannot  be  said  to  be  hidden, 
or  not  foreknown,  in  accordance  with  the  laws  of  good 
morals. 

Because  the  previous  knowledge  and  import  (alone) 
of  an  oath  does  not  constitute  the  act  a  moral  one,  which 
may  otherwise  be  immoral;  nor  does  the  extra  judicial 
character  (alone)  make  that  immoral  wThich  might  be  in 
other  respects  moral,  any  more  than  that  the  judicial 
character  (alone)  of  an  oath  would  cause  that  to  be  a 
moral  act  which  might  be  otherwise  immoral.36  This 
has  been  proved  by  the  numbers  who  suffered  death  in 
the  reigns  of  Henry  VIII.  and  his  successors,  for  con- 
scientiously refusing  to  take  the  judicial  oath  of  suprem- 
acy in  the  ecclesiastical  affairs  of  Dissenters  and  the 
Roman  Catholic  church,  then  imposed  by  the  penal 
laws. 

SECOND  OBJECTION. —  Want  of  Necessity. — That  secret 
societies  are  unnecessary ;  secret  signs  are  unnecessary ; 

the  sanction  of  the  Divinity ;  for  when  God  promised  to  bring  his  people 
into  the  land  of  Canaan,  he  is  said  to  have  lifted  up  his  hand.  (Exod.  vi. 
8  ;  Nehem.  ix.  15.)  This  custom  appears  to  have  been  practised  even  by 
those  nations  which  had  renounced  the  worship  of  the  true  God.  Thus, 
we  read  in  Virgil — 

"  Suspicions  ccelum,  tenditque  ad  sidera  dextram." 
And  thus,  also,  when  Agamemnon  makes  his  oath — 

"  To  all  the  gods  his  sceptre  he  uplifts." 

36  These  absurd  charges  against  the  Masonic  oath  were  carried  to  a 
most  ludicrous  excess  in  America  ;  and  the  English  Mason  will  be  amused 
with  the  following  mendacious  extract  from  a  periodical,  published  in 
1834  :  "  Every  Mason,  when  initiated  in  every  degree,  takes  an  oath. 
Thus,  the  Entered  Apprentice  swears  three  oaths  !  the  Fellowcraft,  six  ! 
the  Master  Mason,  seventeen  ! ! !  the  Mark  Master,  seven  (the  notes  of 
admiration  must  be  imagined)  ;  the  Past  Master,  eleven  ;  the  Most  Ex- 
cellent Master,  eight ;  the  Royal  Master,  eleven  ;  the  Royal  Arch,  seven- 
teen ;  Select  Master,  five ;  Knight  of  the  Red  Cross,  seven ;  Knight 
Templar,  eight ;  Knight  of  the  Christian  Mark,  three  ;  Knight  of  the 

TT  .    1  __     O.-_     __  1      1 .    .     C*~^~~±     ~\/f.^-^4-n~.  -    -     Til.,«J !« /\^,J..—    ^C    4-1*. i.    ^1«*^^.« 


188  PER8KCUTIONS    <>F   FREEMASONRY 

secret  onths  or  affirmations  are  unnecessary  ;  and  Free- 
masonry is  unnecessary,  though  alleged  to  be  instituted 
for  convivial  and  charitable  purposes,  but  tending  to 
useless,  ruinous,  and  extravagant  expenditure,  leading 
men  into  scenes  of  riot,  drunkenness,  and  debauchery. 
Therefore,  Freemasonry,  secret  oaths,  secret  signs,  and 
secret  societies,  being  unnecessary,  are  immoral. 

NOT  so, — 

Because,  neither  the  church  in  any  council,  nor  any 
code  of  morals,  affirms  that  want  of  necessity  alone  con- 
stitutes that  to  be  immoral  which  is  otherwise  moral. 

Because  such  acts  have  not  before  been  deemed  un- 
necessary or  immoral,  which  the  custom  of  ages  has 
established,  as  well  as  the  constant  practice  of  millions, 
from  time  immemorial  over  the  whole  world,  by  poten- 
tates and  princes,  bishops,  priests,  and  laymen — the  great 
and  the  good  of  all  nations.37 

Because  the  edicts  of  the  popes,  prohibiting  and  con- 
demning the  "  sect "  of  Freemasons  and  other  secret 
societies,  "  bound  by  an  oath  in  an  impenetrable  bond  of 
secrecy,"  from  Clement  XII.,  in  1737,  to  that  of  our 
present  "  Vicar  of  Christ,"  have  become  obsolete  from 
disuse,  the  term  of  duration  and  force,  according  to  the 
canon  law,  having  expired,  without  republication — in 
this  country,  I  believe,  unlawful,  and  the  urgency  there- 
fore having  generally  long  since  ceased,  by  the  utter 
extinction  of  most  of  the  obnoxious  and  wicked  com- 
binations against  Christianity  and  the  laws  of  civil 
seciety.38 

37  It  was  common  among  the  ancients  to  swear  by  the  head.     Thus 
Virgil— 

"  Per  caput  hoc  juro,  per  quod  pater  ante  solebat." 

(JEn.  ix.  300.) 
So,  also  Horace,  reproaching  Barine,  says — 

" sed  tu,  sirnul  obli<rasti 

Perfidum  votis  caput "     (Carm.  1.  ii.  8.) 

Some  used  to  swear  by  the  ashes  of  their  parents.  The  form  of  this  oath 
has  been  preserved  in  Propertius.  (B.  ii.  20.) 

"  Os?a  tibijuro  per  matria,  et  ossa  parentis  ; 

Si  fallo,  cinis,  heu  !  sit  mihi  uterque  gravis." 

Homer  also  mentions  the  same  thing.  See  also,  Juv.  Sat.  vi.  17,  and 
also,  Horace,  Carm.  1.  ii.  9. 

38  A  French  writer,  speaking  of  Freemasonry,  says  : — "  The  profound 
silence  which  Freemasons  observe,  the  air  of  mystery  which  is  spread 


NOW   IN    OPERATION.  189 

Because  such  denunciations  against  the  wicked  ten 
ets  of  infidel,  atheistical,  anti-social,  anti-Christian,  and 
anti-Catholic  sects,  and  unnecessary  secret  societies, 
some  calling  themselves  "Freemasons,"  as  "  Illumina- 
ti,"  "  Carbonari,"  "  Communists,"  "  Orangeists,"  and 
the  like,  if  they  exist  anywhere,  never  were  professed  or 
promulgated  by  Freemasons,  Odd  Fellows,  and  the  like 
in  these  realms,  being  exclusive  of  any  interference  in 
politics  or  religion,  convivial  and  charitable  brotherhoods, 
innocent  in  themselves,  and  perfectly  legal,  obliged  by 
the  constitutions  to  denounce  as  criminal,  treason  and 
murder.39 

Because  the  argument  of  want  of  necessity,  ruin,  riot, 
debauchery,  tendency  to  evil,  and  the  like,  if  allowed  to 
the  full  extent,  according  to  the  words  of  scripture,  "if 
thy  eye  offend  thee,  pluck  it  out;"  "  if  thy  arm  offend 
thee,  cut  it  off,"  or  that  the  abuse  were  an  argument  for 
disuse,  would  shut  up  all  our  theatres,  public  houses, 
gin  shops,  distilleries,  &c.,  forbid  the  use  of  money,  &c., 
which  cannot  be  denied  are  all  so  many  awful  instru- 
ments in  the  hands  of  the  devil,  for  damning  millions  of 
souls.  This  argument  goes  even  further,  as,  I  believe, 

over  all  their  actions,  has  not  ceased  to  prejudice  against  them  some 
minds  whose  self-love  is  offended,  and  who  cannot  bear  that  themselves 
should  be  kept  in  ignorance  of  what  passes  in  this  assembly  of  Brethren. 
These  think  they  have  a  right  to  believe  them  guilty  of  a  species  of  crimes, 
which  might  well  draw  down  upon  the  lodge  the  avenging  flames  which 
formerly  consumed  five  abominable  cities.  It  is  doubly  unjust  to  attack, 
or  reproach  so  many  illustrious  men  who  have  ranked  themselves  on  the 
lists  of  the  Freemasons.  We  may  assure  ourselves  that  the  abominable 
crimes,  which  none  but  a  vile  imagination  could  suspect  them  of,  had 
never  any  access  to  the  lodges  ;  and  it  is  sufficient  to  oppose  to  the  ap- 
pearance of  it,  the  character  of  the  illustrious  men  I  have  just  reierred 
to,  whose  known  integrity  ought  to  shame  the  foul  accuser,  and  whose 
delicacy  incontestibly  proves  it  a  falsehood  ;  for  it  is  not  likely,  whatever 
oath  they  might  have  taken,  that  it  could  prevent  their  flying  precipi- 
tately from  this  Babylon,  at  the  first  appearance  of  such  a  monstrous 
excess." 

39  And  therefore  a  distinguished  member  of  the  Massachusetts  legisla- 
ture, during  the  Morgan  excitement,  advocated  the  appointment  of  a 
committee  to  investigate  whether  the  Order  were  really  guilty  of  the 
alleged  crime.  He  was  a  Mason  of  the  highest  order,  and  cheerfully 
placed  the  matter  upon  this  test.  "  Only  show  that  the  practices  of  Ma- 
sonry are  noxious  and  deleterious  to  the  body  politic ;  and  how  respecta- 
ble so  ever  they  may  be,  or  however  sanctioned  by  antiquity,  it  becomes 
the  imperious  duty  of  the  legislature,  as  the  legitimate  guardian  of  the 
rights  of  the  people,  to  suppress  it  by  legal  enactment." 


390  PKRSKrt'TK'Ns    OF    FKKKMA60NRY 

exemplified  by  some  Brahmins;  would  deprive  religion 

itself  of  its  efficacy;  in  fact,  deprive  man  of  the  most 
valuable  endowments  from  his  Creator,  will,  memory, 
and  understanding,  the  perversion  of  which  causes  all  the 
sins  of  the  world.40 

Because  the  letters  and  pastorals  of  the  English  and 
Irish  bishops,  which  incidentally  only  cited  the  authori- 
ty of  the  papal  edicts  against  il  the  sect,"  and  other 
unlawful  secret  societies — those  edicts  not  having  been 
published  in  this  country,  and  having  become  obsolete. 
it  is  reasonable  to  presume  that  such  letters  and  pastorfclfl 
were  directed  against  political  Freemasonry  in  Canada, 
where,  during  the  late  insurrection,  the  secrecy  of  Free- 
masonry was  said  to  have  been  abused  and  violated  by 
the  cowardly  partisans  of  revolution — against  \Yhitr 
Boys,  Ribbonmen,  and  the  like  political  secret  societies 
in  Ireland,  and  against  the  trades'  combinations  and 
unions  in  England,  and  by  no  means  intended  to  con- 
demn Freemasonry,  as  practised  in  these  realms,  as  unne- 
cessary or  immoral.41 

40  If  nothing  were  lawful  but  what  was  absolutely  necessary,  ours 
would  be  but  a  miserable  world  to  live  in.     Literary  talent  would  be 
circumscribed  within  a  very  narrow  compass ;  science  might  be  consigned 
to  oblivion  ;  the  fine  arts  be  suffered  to  decay  ;  and  we  should  return  to 
the  state,  almost  savage,  of  the  first  inhabitants  of  this  island,  who  dwelt 
in  dens,  and  caves,  and  wretched  hovels;  who  had  no  clothing,  and  lived 
upon  roots  and  raw  flesh ;  and  in  case  of  danger,  as  Dio  Nicaeus  tells  IK. 
"  would  plunge  themselves  in  deep  morasses  up  to  their  necks,  and  there 
continue  many  days  together  without  sustenance,  and  then  retiring  and 
hiding  themselves  in  the  woods,  they  fed  on  the  bark  and  roots  of  tr 
The  above  objection  is  altogether  puerile,  and  unworthy  the  advocacy  .  ; 
a  man  of  sense. 

41  Bro.  Gourley,  in  an  address  to  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Massachusetts, 
has  the  following  excellent  sentiments,  which  are  worthy  of  more  exten- 
sive circulation: — "That  there  are  bad, as  well  as  good  men,  who  belong 
to  our  institution,  has  never  been  denied.     But  this  assertion  may  'Mi- 
made,  with  equal  truth,  of  every  association  of  men  that  ever  existed. 
When  it  can  be  said  of  all,  who  profess  to  be  the  disciples  of  religion, 
that  they  are  pious,  honest,  and  benevolent,  it  will  alone  be  time  to  ac- 
cuse Masonry  of  the  delinquencies  of  Masons.     But  when  our  institution 
is  attacked,  as  being,  in  its  design,  hostile  to  the  peace  and  order  of 
society,  it  is  but  reasonable  that  we  should  be  heard  in  our  defence  against 
so  unjust  a  reproach.     Look  upon  those  men  who  have  patronized  Ma- 
sonry, and  say  whether  they  have  been  inimical  to  the  public  happiness  ? 
(^as  Washington  an  enemy  to  his  country,  or  to  mankind  ?     Why  should 
1  not  mention  the  name  of  this  illustrious  man  ?     He  was  a  Mason,  and 
loved  the  craft.     What  Mason  is  there,  then,  let  me  ask  you,  in  the  'lan- 
guage of  Mark  Anthony  over  the  dead   body  of  Cavar.  what  reason  is 


NOW   IN   OPERATION.  191 

THIRD  OBJECTION. — Secrecy. — That  secrecy,  being  «  a 
test  of  evil,"  prohibited  and  condemned  by  the  church, 
a  secret  society,  secret  sign,  password  or  watchword, 
ceremonies  and  degrees,  and  a  secret  oath  (or  affirma- 
tion), being  rash  and  unlawful,  tending  to  evil,  are 
therefore  immoral. 

That  the  oath  (or  affirmation)  to  secrecy,  attributed 
to  Freemasons  and  the  like,  obliging  them  to  keep 
secret  whatever  may  occur  within  the  lodge,  [a  most 
extraordinary  objection],  being  an  usurpation  of  the 
power  delivered  by  Christ  to  his  apostles  and  their  suc- 
cessors, "  what  ye  shall  bind  on  earth  shall  be  bound 
also  in  heaven,"  (St.  Matt.,)  which  imposes  an  inviolable 
secrecy  upon  all  things  revealed  in  the  confessional,  to 
be  broken  only  in  heaven — is  therefore  impious  and 
immoral. 

That  "  secret  societies"  are  anti-social,  anti-Catholic, 
and  anti-Christian,  inasmuch  as  they  are  by  "  secrecy 
placed  beyond  the  control  of  the  lawful  authority"  of 
magistrates,  and  of  the  church ;  therefore  dangerous  and 
immoral. 

That  under  the  secrecy  of  Freemasons  revolutions 
have  been  perpetuated,  and  states  overthrown  ;  therefore 
destructive  and  immoral. 

NOT  so, — 

Because  in  no  council  of  the  church  have  secrecy,  a 
secret  society,  a  secret  sign,  or  a  secret  oath  (or  affirma- 
tion), been  "  prohibited  or  condemned  as  being  immo- 
ral," otherwise  if  "  secrecy  were  a  test  of  evil"  always, 
secrecy  might  be  alleged  against  numberless  societies, 
associations,  commercial  unions,  and  others  ;  even  the 
annual  meeting  of  the  Catholic  clergy  in  May,  where 
none  but  a  priest  of  the  mission,  not  even  their  bishop  is 
admitted.42  Freemasons,  in  fact,  meet  not  more  secretly 

there,  then,  that  you  should  forget  him  ?  Norw  whatever.  He  was  the 
glory  of  his  country,  both  as  a  warrior,  a  legislator,  and  a  Mason  ;  and, 
therefore,  his  services  will  never  be  forgotten." 

42  An  answer  to  the  above  plea  is  found  in  that  excellent  illustration 
contained  in  the  lectures  of  Masonry. — "  Of  all  the  arts  which  Masons 
possess,  the  art  of  silence,  or  secrecy,  particularly  distinguishes  them. 
Taciturnity  is  a  proof  of  wisdom,  and  is  allowed  to  be  of  the  utmost 
importance  in  the  different  transactions  of  life.  The  best  writers  have 
declared  it  to  be  an  art  of  inestimable  value  ;  and  that  it  is  agreeable  to 


192  PERSECUTIONS    OF   FREEMASONRY 

at  the  Freemasons'  Tavern,  and  other  lodges  at  other 
public  places  and  taverns  all  over  the  world. 

Because  a  "  secret  sign"  is  no  more  than  the  password 
or  watchword  in  the  army  and  navy,  by  which  brothers 
or  friends  may  be  known  from  strangers  or  foes.  Secret 
degrees  and  ceremonies  are  merely  a  test  of  merit,  and  for 
the  exclusion  of  bad  characters.43  They  are  of  the  greatest 
antiquity,  and  sanctioned  by  custom  everywhere. 

Because  an  oath  (or  affirmation)  to  keep  secret  a 
crime  would  be  contrary  to  the  constitutions  of  Free- 
masonry, which  forbids  such  concealment,  or  of  treason 
or  murder.44 

the  Deity  himself,  may  be  easily  conceived  from  the  glorious  example 
which  He  gives,  in  concealing  from  mankind  the  secret  mysteries  of  His 
providence.  The  wisest  of  men  cannot  pry  into  the  arcana  of  heaven  ; 
nor  can  they  divine  to-day  what  to-morrow  may  bring  forth." 

43  "  From  the  period  at  which  I  reached  the  summit  of  what  is  called 
ancient  Masonry,"  says  Col.  Stone,  "  I  have  held  but  one  opinion  in 
relation  to  masonic  secrets ;  and,  in  that  opinion,  I  have  always  found  my 
intelligent  Brethren  ready  to  concur.     It  was  this — that  the  essential  se- 
crets of  Masonry  consisted  in  nothing  more  than  the  signs,  grips,  pass- 
words, and  tokens,  essential  to  the  preservation  of  the  society  from  the 
inroads  of  impostors ;    together  with  certain  symbolical  emblems,  the 
technical  terms  appertaining  to  which  served  as  a  sort  of  universal  lan- 
guage, by  which  the  members  of  the  fraternity  could  distinguish  each 
other,  in  all  places  and  countries  where  lodges  were  instituted,  and  con- 
ducted like  those  of  the  United  States.    The  Freemasons'  Monitor  says 
— '  Did  the  particular  secrets,  or  peculiar  forms  prevalent  among  Masons, 
constitute  the  essence  of  the  art,  it  might  be  alleged  that  our  amusements 
were  trifling,  and  our  ceremonies  superficial.'    But  this  is  not  the  case. 
The  Rev.  Salem  Town,  long  the  Grand  Chaplain  of  the  Royal  Arch 
Chapter  of  New  York,  whose  book  on  Speculative  Masonry  has  been 
sanctioned  by  the  highest  masonic  officers  in  the  country,  expressly  de- 
clares, that  our  leading  tenets  are  no  secrets.     And  again,  by  a  full  and 
fair  exposition  of  our  great  leading  principles,  we  betray  no  secrets." 
(Letters  on  Masonry,  p.  71.) 

44  The  above  writer  thus  defends  the  Order  against  certain  calumnies 
which  were  prevalent  in  his  time : — '•  Is  it  to  be  believed,"  he  says,  "  that 
men  of  acknowledged  talents  and  worth  in  public  stations,  and  of  virtuous, 
and  frequently  religious  habits,  in  the  walks  of  private  life — with  the 
holy  Bible  in  their  hands,  which  they  are  solemnly  pledged  to  receive,  as 
the  rule  and  guide  of  their  faith  and  practice — and  under  the  grave  and 
positive  charge  from  the  officer  administering  the  obligation,  that  it  is  to 
be  taken  in  strict  subordination  to  the  civil  laws — can  understand  that 
obligation,  whatever  may  be  the  peculiarities  of  its  phraseology,  as  re- 
quiring them  to  countenance  vice  and  criminality,  even  by  silence  ?     Can 
it  for  a  moment  be  supposed  that  the  hundreds  of  eminent  men — the  hun- 
dreds of  eloquent  divines — the  tens  of  thousands  of  the  most  intelligent 
and  virtuous  of  the  community — with  oaths  upon  their  consciences,  can 
be  guilty  of  any  such  iniquities  as  the  Masons  are  charged  with  ?" 


NOW   IN   OPERATION.  193 

there  is  no  parallel  between  the  secrecy  of 
the  confessional  and  the  secrecy  of  Freemasonry,  the  one 
being  a  religious,  the  other  a  temporal  affair. 

Because  most  of  such  societies  are  secret  only  in 
name,  opened  to  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  globe,  good 
character  and  morals  being  the  only  test,  to  all  poten- 
tates and  magistrates,  to  bishops  and  priests,  if  they 
were  not  forbidden  by  their  own  ecclesiastical  regula- 
tions. 

Because  it  is  notorious  that  all  revolutions  said  to 
have  been  aided  by  Freemasons,  would  have  occurred  if 
Freemasonry  had  never  existed. 

Because  it  is  a  common  vulgar  error  to  class 
"  secrecy"  with  "  evil,"  some  persons  forming  false 
notions  of  secrecy,  either  from  prejudice  or  under  the 
influence  of  preconceived  opinion  by  which  they  deceive 
themselves,  as  well  as  others.  The  morbid  imaginations 
of  such  persons  cannot  separate  secrecy  from  darkness — 
an  oath  to  keep  secret  the  affairs  of  Freemasonry,  from 
an  oath  to  keep  secret  crimes,  conspiracies,  assassina- 
tions, and  murder,  in  face  of  the  axiom,  *'  an  oath 
bindeth  not  iniquity."  A  secrecy  over  which  they  have 
thrown  certain  romantic,  horrible  fancies  of  deep,  dismal, 
dungeon  gloom,  phantoms  of  their  own  creation  in  weak 
and  distorted  intellects.45  This  absurd  self-created  con- 
scientiousness would  object  to  oaths  altogether,  as  the 
Quakers,  who  appeal  to  scripture  in  support  of  these 
scruples — "  But  1  say  unto  you,  not  to  swear  at  all,"  St. 
Matt.  v.  33.  In  Leviticus,  xix.  12,  however,  it  is  said — 
"  Ye  shall  not  swear  by  my  name  to  deceive."  Which 
explains  the  meaning  of  the  above  as  understood  by  all 
Christians.  In  Deut.  vi.  30,  and  x.  20,  is  said — "  Thou 

46  A  paper  was  circulated,  some  time  since,  under  the  following  head  : 
— "  Decisions  of  the  holy  Apostolic  See  concerning  the  Society  of  Free- 
masons. Addressed  to  the  Most  Holy  Father."  It  states  that  ecclesi- 
astical punishments  have  been  decreed  by  Roman  pontiffs  against  the 
Freemasons ;  and  that  a  doubt  has  arisen  whether  any  person,  repenting 
of  having  taken  the  oath,  can  be  admitted  to  the  sacrament  of  penance. 
On  inquiring  how  the  conference  ought  to  act,  the  reply  of  the  sacred 
congregation  was,  "  taking  things  as  proposed,  it  is  not  permitted."  A 
doubt  having  arisen  as  to  the  words  not  permitted,  if  implying  the  inva- 
lidity of  the  absolution,  the  sacred  congregation  replied  in  the  affirmative. 
The  document  is  signed — ANGELUS  ARGENTI,  Notary  of  the  sacred  Ro- 
man and  Universal  Inquisition.  See  the  F.  Q.  R.,  1845,  p.  285. 


194:  PERSECUTIONS    OF   FREEMASONRY 

shalt  swear  by  his  name."  In  Num.  xxx.  ;3 — u  That 
man  that  vovveth  a  vow  to  the  Lord,  shall  not  break  his 
word,"40  Which  (nearly  shows  that  oaths  an-  lawful  for 
lawful  purposes.  Will,  then,  any  man  atlinu,  that  the 
oath  attributed  to  Freemasons  is  for  an  unlawful  pur- 
pose— therefore  immoral  ? 

FOURTH  OBJECTION. —  Want  of  Authority. — That  any 
oath  (or  affirmation)  being  extra-judicial,  not  imposed  or 
commanded  by  the  laws  of  the  land,  is  illegal,  and  being 
imposed  without  authority,  is  immoral. 

NOT  so, — 

Because  the  constitutions  of  Freemasonry  are  accom- 
modated to  the  laws  of  every  country,47  and  the  present 
code  of  British  Freemasonry  was  renewed  a  i'ew  years 
ago  by  a  committee  of  the  ablest  lawryers  of  the  day, 
under  the  Grand  Mastership  of  His  Royal  Highness  the 
late  Duke  of  Sussex,  whose  name  alone  ought  to  have 
been  a  sufficient  guarantee  against  the  monstrous  asser- 
tions of  the  "  Tablet."  In  all  Acts  of  Parliament 
against  secret  societies,  secret  oaths,  associations,  &c., 
British  Freemasons  are  specially  exempted — therefore 
not  "  illegal." 

Because  it  is  a  false  assumption  involved  in  this  objec- 
tion, that  the  swearing  of  an  extra-judicial  oath  is  a 
compulsory  act,  compulsory,  like  too  many  of  the  nume- 
rous judicial  ones,  which  cause  persons  to  swallow  them 
as  being  "  mere  matters  of  form,"  or  "  custom-house 
oaths,"  often  without  due  regard  to  the  whole  truth,  or 

46  It  was  common  with  the  Jews  to  swear  by  Jerusalem  ;  and,  there- 
fore, the  altar,  the  temple,  and  Jerusalem,  as  objects  of  their  vows,  are 
frequently  expressed  in  their  writings.     In  the  Gemmara,  it  is  laid  down, 
as  an  orthodox  doctrine,  that  a  Jew  cannot  be  justified  till  he  has  made 
his  vow  on  something  which  has  been  ottered  up  at  Jerusalem. 

47  At  the  revival  of  Masonry,  the  Grand  Lodge  set  out  with  a  declara- 
tion, that  "  it  is  not  in  the  power  of  any  man  or  body  of  men,  to  make 
any  alteration  or  innovation  in  the  body  of  Masonry,  without  the  consent 
first  obtained  of  the  Grand  Lodge."     And  on  the  25th  November,  1723, 
the  Grand  Lodge  in  ample  form  resolved,  "  that  any  Grand  Lodge,  duly 
met,  has  a  power  to  amend  or  explain  any  of  the  pointed  regulations  in 
the  Book  of  Constitutions,  while  they  break  not  in  upon  the  ancient  rules 
of  the  fraternity.     But  that  no  alteration  shall  be  made  in  the  printed 
Book  of  Constitutions  without  leave  of  the  Grand  Lodge."    And  this 
fundamental  principle  has  always  been  strictly  adhered  to. 


NOW    IN    OPERATION.  195 

the  serious  binding  nature  of  the  act.48  The  oath  attri- 
buted to  Freemasons  is  perfectly  voluntary,  and  no  one 
would  be  admitted  whose  vanity  or  pride  had  urged  him 
to  differ  with  his  Christian  neighbours,  and  had  created 
for  himself  a  false  conscience  upon  a  received  opinion, 
or  whose  conscience  revolted  at  an  act  sanctioned  by  the 
scriptures,  the  practice  of  all  times,  by  the  greatest  and 
most  pious  men  of  ages  past  and  present.  Quakers, 
Moravians,  and  others,  are,  however,  protected  in  their 
religious  scruples  by  an  affirmation  when  requisite ; 
therefore  this  oath  or  affirmation  cannot  be  alleged  to  be 
deficient  in  authority,  or  to  be  immoral. 

FIFTH  OBJECTION. — Liberty  and  Equality. — That  the 
pernicious  principles  of  a  spurious  liberty,  and  levelling 
equality,  as  propagated  by  Freemasonry,  are  subversive 
of  all  social  order  in  society,  destructive  of  all  good 
government,  and  opposed  to  the  influence  of  true  reli- 
gion; therefore  impious  and  immoral. 

NOT  so, — 

Because  the  liberty  practised  and  promulgated  in  the 
lodges,  is  that  natural  liberty,  secured  by  the  laws  of 
nature,  compatible  with  the  laws  of  nations,  communi- 
ties, and  individuals,  acknowledging  no  enemy  more 
dangerous  than  licentiousness  in  any  form.  The  liberty 
of  Freemasonry  is  subordidate  to  reason,  to  immutable 
justice,  by  which  it  must  ever  be  supported  ;  to  con- 
science, and  a  regard  for  the  public  welfare,  by  which  it 
must  be  directed  ;  friendly  to  order  and  to  peace.  The 
liberty  and  equality  of  Freemasonry  are  understood  in  a 
sense  entirely  moral,  and  foreign  to  politics.  The  Abbe 
Barruel,  too,  has  exempted  British  Freemasonry  from  the 
charge  of  establishing  the  wild  notions  of  liberty,  he 
asserts  to  have  been  taught  in  the  lodges  of  certain 
"  secret  societies"  on  the  continent.  Therefore,  the 
natural  and  judicious  liberty  of  Freemasonry  is  neither 
impious  nor  immoral.49 

**  In  some  countries  it  is  said  to  have  been  a  custom  to  place  the  right 
hand  upon  the  throne  in  attestation  of  an  oath  ;  and  in  others  it  was  laid 
upon  the  altar.  With  us  the  right  hand  is  laid  upon  the  holy  Bible. 
Juvenal  says,  that  in  his  time  atheists  could  intrepidos  altaria  tangere , 
or,  in  other  words,  could  forswear  themselves  without  trembling, 

49  After  the  work  of  Barruel  had  been  subjected  to  the  test  of  criticism, 


196  PERSECUTIONS    OF   FREEMASONRY. 

Because  the  equality  of  Freemasonry  has  DO  relation 
to  the  distinctions  of  civil  order,  trenches  not  upon  the 
possession  of  riches  or  dignities.  Freemasonry  considers 
men  of  all  ranks  only  with  regard  to  the  connection  which 
unites  them  as  members  of  one  universal  Brotherhood.50 
The  equality  of  Freemasons  is  one  of  those  virtues,  re- 
commended by  religion  and  morality,  as  is  said  by  an  emi- 
nent writer,  "such  institutions  weaken  pride,  without 

however,  he  was  very  much  inclined  to  retract  his  exception  of  the  Eng- 
lish lodges,  while  writhing  under  the  lash  which  he  had  so  freely  inflicted 
upon  others.  He  says  (Hist.  Jac.  vol.  iv.  obs.  iv.) — "  Dr.  Griffiths  de- 
clares, that  my  position  is  wholly  erroneous  when  I  say,  that  equality 
and  liberty  form  the  essential  and  perpetual  creed  of  the  Freemasons. 
Here  I  was  tempted  to  recognize  a  brother  dupe ;  but  he  had  his  reasons 
for  appearing  to  be  better  informed  than  I  was.  He  then  speaks  of  a 
communication  opened  between  the  Grand  Lodges  of  London  and  Berlin, 
1776  ;  and  Berlin,  he  says,  was  at  that  era  the  very  focus  of  convergence 
for  every  ray  of  modern  philosophy  ;  and  then,  he  asks,  were  these  em- 
bassies mere  child's  play,  or  were  there  Timoleons  concealed  in  the  lodges  t 
I  candidly  confess,  that  had  I  known  of  these  communications  with  the 
very  centre  of  sophistry,  so  far  should  I  have  been  from  retracting  my 
proofs  of  the  conspiracy  of  the  Freemasons,  that  I  should  have  given 
them  a  stronger  term.  I  can  also  assure  him,  that  I  would  not  have 
generalized  to  such  an  extent,  my  exception  in  favour  of  the  Masonry  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  of  London,  had  I  been  informed  that  it  could  possibly 
have  contained  members  so  inimical  to  kings  as  that  Timoleon,  who  as- 
sassinated his  brother  Timophane,  for  that  same  cause  of  hatred  to  roy- 
alty in  which  the  elder  Brutus  became  the  executioner  of  his  children, 
and  the  younger  Brutus  the  murderer  of  Caesar,  his  benefactor.  Let 
English  Masons  defend  themselves  against  the  imputations  of  Dr. Griffiths  ; 
but  every  reader  will  perceive  that  the  method  he  has  adopted  to  prove 
that  my  position  was  erroneous  is  rather  extraordinary  ;  for,  according 
to  his  assertions,  if  I  am  culpable,  it  is  of  having  generalized  my  exception 
too  much  in  favour  of  those  to  wliom  I  thought  no  guilt  could  attach." 

60  We  are  all  equal  by  our  creation,  but  much  more  so  by  the  strength 
of  our  obligation.  We  meet  on  the  level,  and  part  on  the  square.  These, 
and  other  similar  masonic  aphorisms,  will  explain  the  nature  of  our  equal- 
ity. "I  conceive  no  valid  reason,"  says  an  eloquent  transatlantic  bro- 
ther, "  why  Masonry  should  be  fettered  down  by  any  sectarian  or  local 
ieeling  whatsoever.  I  would  have  it  untrammelled,  unadulterated,  unsti- 
pendiary  ;  the  sphere  of  its  active  usefulness  only  circumscribed  by  the 
limits  of  its  universality.  It  would  then  be  godlike  within  the  range  of 
its  glorious  latitude.  Regard  it  as  you  will,  it  is,  under  any  aspect,  a 
most  benignant  and  elevated  conception ;  everywhere  busy,  erecting 
schools  and  infirmaries  and  asylums,  for  the  destitute,  the  unfortunate, 
and  the  oppressed  ;  hushing  the  sob  of  the  fatherless  little  one,  and  caus- 
ing the  widow's  heart  to  sing  for  joy!  It  is  abroad,  upon  its  errand  of 
beneficence,  in  every  country,  and  climate,  and  kingdom  under  heaven  ; 
wherever  charity  can  be  exercised — wherever  suffering  can  be  alleviated 
— wherever  good  can  be  done.  It  is  around  us,  and  about  us  ;  in  every 
whisper  of  mercy,  in  every  movement  of  love." 


NOW   IN    OPERATION.  197 

destroying  subordination,"  which  recal  the  rich  and  the 
magistracy  to  sentiments  of  natural  equality,  without  in- 
juring the  legal  power  of  the  latter,  and  the  respect  due 
to  their  functions,  and  is  of  the  highest  advantage  to 
morality  and  happiness,  rendering  them  permanently  use- 
ful.51 The  Freemason  desires  to  make  but  one  great  fami- 
ly of  the  whole  human  race  under  the  Great  Architect 
of  the  Universe,  the  Almighty  Creator,  and  to  induce 
mankind,  on  moral  considerations,  to  regard  and  treat 
each  other  as  brothers.  In  the  moral  sense  of  the  term 
must  be  understood  this  equality,  that  among  Masons 
there  are  no  strangers,  and  man  is  everywhere  at  home, 
whatever  may  be  the  race  to  which  he  belongs,  or  the 
land  in  which  he  is  born.  This  equality,  then,  is  not  of 
that  destructive  or  levelling  description  which  would 
drag  down  the  prince  from  the  high  station  in  which 
birth  or  fortune  may  have  placed  him,  in  order  to  degrade 
him  to  the  level  of  the  simple  citizen  ;  nor  does  it  pre- 
tend falsely  to  raise  a  beggar,  or  even  a  simple  citizen, 
beyond  the  sphere  of  his  own  merits :  therefore  the  prin- 
ciples of  equality  taught  by  Freemasonry  are  neither  im- 
pious nor  immoral. 

61  Dean  Kirwan  has  a  beautiful  passage  on  this  subject.  He  says  : — 
"  I  open  the  gospel,  and  there  I  cannot  find  a  trace  of  countenance  to  in- 
temperate and  uncharitable  zeal,  even  in  support  of  essential  truths  ;  wit- 
ness the  instant  and  indignant  rebuke  of  that  sanguinary  and  intolerant 
spirit  in  which  all  the  Jew  appeared,  manifested  by  him,  against  the 
wretched  inhabitants  of  an  unbelieving  village ;  witness  his  tender  and 
indefatigable  effort  to  remove  the  prejudices  of  the  woman  of  Samaria ; 
how  he  accommodated  himself  to  that  prejudice,  the  better  to  remove  it ; 
spoke  the  very  language  of  her  errors,  in  search  of  an  occasion  to  insinu- 
ate truth.  Through  the  whole  course  of  his  ministry  his  first  object  was 
to  propagate  a  benevolent  spirit,  and  to  mend  the  human  heart.  Listen 
to  his  words  : — '  Blessed  are  the  peacemakers,  for  they  shall  be  called  the 
children  of  God.  Blessed  are  the  merciful,  for  they  shall  obtain  mercy. 
Blessed  are  the  meek,  the  poor  in  spirit,  the  pure  of  heart.  Blessed  are 
all  those  who  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteousness !'  It  is  the  simple, 
but  fervent  eulogy  of  every  relative  virtue,  and  every  bond  of  blissful 
intercourse  between  man  and  man." 


MASONIC    INSTITUTES, 


BY 


VARIOUS    AUTHORS. 


CO  1ST  TENT  8. 


PAOB 

Dedication T 

Introductory  Essay  on  the  Masonic  Literature  of  the  Eighteenth 

Century.     By  the  Editor.      .         .         .         .         .         .243 


LECTURE  I. 
On  the  Rise  and  Progress  of  the  Order.     Anon.  264 

LECTURE  II. 
A  Defence  of  Masonry.     By  Dr.  Anderson,  S.  Gr.  W.     .         .    274 

LECTURE  III. 

On  the  Advantages  enjoyed  by  the  Fraternity.     By  Martin 

Clare,  Esq.,  D.  (*.  M 292 

LECTURE  IV. 

On  the  Connection  between  Masonry  and  Religion.     By  the 

Rev.  Charles  Brockwell,  A.  M 303 

LECTURE  V. 
On  the  Social  Virtues  of  Freemasonry.      By  Isaac  Head,  Esq.    312 

LECTURE  VI. 
A  Search  after  Truth.     Anon.          .         .         .         .         .         .321 

LECTURE  VII. 

On  Masonic  Light,  Truth,  and  Charity.     By  Thomas  Duno- 

kerly,  Esq.,  P.  G.  M 335 


CONTENTS. 

LECTURE  VIII. 

PJ.CK 

The  Moveable  Jewels  illustrated  by  the  Aid  of  Moral  Geome- 
try.    Anon 348 

LECTURE  IX. 

On  the  Government  of  the  Lodge.     By  John  Whitmash,  Esq., 

W.  M 361 

LECTURE  X. 

On   the   Design   of   Masonry.      By  John    Codrington,  Esq. 

D.  P.  G.  M.  .    375 

LECTURE  XL 
On  the  Masonic  Duties.     By  the  Rev.  R.  Green.      ...     389 

LECTURE  XII. 
On  Brotherly  Love.      By  the  Rev.  John  Hodgets,  A.  M.         .405 

LECTURE  XIII. 
On  the  Vftlue  of  Masonic  Secrets.    By  the  Rev.  Daniel  Turner.     416 


MASONIC    INSTITUTES. 


INTRODUCTION. 


BEMARKS      ON      THE      MASONIC      LITERATURE      OF      THE 
EIGHTEENTH    CENTURY. 


absentum  qui  rodit  amicum  ; 


Qui  non  defendit.  alio  culpante  ;  solutos 

Q'li  captat  risus  hominum,  famamque  dicacis ; 

Fingere  qui  non  visa  potest ;  commissa  tacere 

Qui  nequit ;  hie  niger  est,  hunc  tu,  Romane,  caveto. " 

HORACE. 

IT  will  be  in  the  recollection  of  every  reader  of  Sir 
Walter  Scott's  inimitable  novels — and  by  this  description 
I  include  every  person  in  her  Majesty's  dominions  who 
possesses  the  slightest  pretensions  to  taste — that,  in  the 
preface  to  "The  Antiquary,"  his  third  prose  publication, 
he  said : — "  I  have  now  only  to  express  my  gratitude  to 
the  public  for  the  distinguished  reception  which  they 
have  given  to  works  that  have  little  more  than  some 
truth  of  colouring  to  recommend  them,  and  to  take  my 
respectful  leave  as  one  who  is  not  likely  again  to  solicit  their 
favour."  And  yet,  a  very  short  period  after  this  announce- 
ment, he  delighted  his  admirers  with  the  charming 
tiction  of  "  Rob  Roy,"  which  he  introduced  by  saying — 
"when  the  editor  of  the  following  volumes  published, 
about  two  years  since,  the  work  called  '  The  Antiquary,' 
he  announced  that  he  was  for  the  last  time  intruding 
upon  the  public  in  his  present  capacity.  He  might 
shelter  himself  under  the  plea  that  every  anonymous  writer 
is,  like  the  celebrated  Junius,  only  a  phantom,  and  that, 
therefore,  although  an  apparition  of  more  benign,  as  well 


244  I  \  'PRODUCTION. 

as  much  meaner  description,  he  cannot  be  bound  to 
plead  to  a  charge  of  inconsistency.  A  better  apology 
may  be  found  in  imitating  the  confession  of  honest  Bene- 
dict, that  when  he  said  he  would  die  a  bachelor,  he  did 
not  think  he  should  live  to  be  married.  The  best  of  all 
would  be,  if,  as  has  eminently  happened  in  the  case  of 
some  distinguished  contemporaries,  the  merit  of  the  work 
should,  in  the  reader's  estimation,  form  an  excuse  for  the 
author's  breach  of  promise."  And  this  was  followed  up 
by  a  rich  series  of  classical  productions  which  leave  us 
no  reason  to  regret  that  the  promise  was  not  kept. 

Now,  although  the  editor  of  the  following  series  of 
Masonic  Works  has  no  pretensions  to  shelter  himself 
under  the  plea  of  writing  anonymously,  yet,  if  it  were  re- 
quired, he  might  find  ample  justification  for  obtruding 
himself  once  more  upon  the  public  on  the  authority  of 
such  a  great  example ;  although  it  would  be  the  height 
of  presumption  on  his  part  to  entertain  an  idea  of  being 
worthy  to  occupy  a  place  even  at  the  feet  of  Gamaliel. 
But  it  is  scarcely  necessary  to  apologize  for  a  re-appear- 
ance in  the  humble  and  unpretending  character  of  an 
editor,  whose  duty  is  simply  to  point  out  what  is  ex- 
cellent, to  illustrate  what  is  obscure,  and  to  show  the 
adaptation  of  the  argument  to  the  age  in  which  the 
authors  flourished,  as  well  as  to  trace  the  gradual  modi- 
fication and  improvement  with  which  the  taste  of  modern 
times  hasi  nvested  the  sciences  or  works  which  he  has 
undertaken  to  supervise. 

At  the  close  of  the  seventeenth  century,  Freemasonry 
had  suffered  a  very  serious  declension  from  its  former 
proud  position  in  society.  The  number  of  lodges  in  the 
south  of  England,  actually  working,  was  reduced  to  four, 
and  these  consisted  of  so  few  members  as  to  be  quite  in- 
sufficient for  any  practical  purpose ;  although  the  author 
of  the  "  Ahiman  Rezon"  asserts  that  "  there  were,  at 
that  time,  numbers  of  old  Masons  in  and  adjacent  to 
London,  from  whom  the  ancient  Masons  received  the  old 
system  free  from  innovation." 

This,  however,  is  doubtful ;  for,  if  better  Masons  had 
existed,  they  would  not  have  been  overlooked,  and  it 
should  rather  appear  that  Masonry  had  suffered  a  total 
eclipse,  and  had  been  shorn  of  its  chief  excellencies  by 
neglect  or  misapprehension  during  the  two  preceding 


INTRODUCTION.  245 

reigns.  It  is  highly  probable  that  very  few  Masons  ex- 
isted at  that  period  who  were  acquainted  with  the 
"  Master's  Part,"  because  the  third  degree  was  seldom 
conferred  except  as  the  reward  of  very  great  scientific 
merit,  or  long  continued  and  faithful  services  to  the 
craft. 

The  ancient  Charges  and  Constitutions  were  sought 
out  and  digested  into  form  ;  for  the  new  Grand  Lodge 
foresaw  that  to  ensure  the  permanent  interests  of  Ma- 
sonry, it  was  necessary  to  place  the  Order  in  as  elevated 
a  position  as  possible.  Under  an  anticipation  that  the 
revived  institutions  would  have  great  difficulties  to  en- 
counter, the  details  were  made  as  unexceptionable  as 
circumstances  would  admit.  A  solid  foundation  was 
laid,  that  the  superstructure  might  be  stable  and  endur- 
ing ;  and  presumed  objections  were  boldly  met,  or  pro- 
vided against  by  a  series  of  judicious  regulations  which 
awakened  curiosity  and  cemented  the  union  of  the  fra- 
ternity, without  trenching  on  the  ancient  landmarks  of 
the  Order. 

But  the  great  obstacle  which  they  encountered,  enun- 
ciated itself  in  the  apparently  simple  inquiry,  Cui  bono  ? 
What  is  the  object  of  the  society  ?  This  was  a  question 
which  required  a  prompt  and  decisive  reply.1  If  it  were 
a  newly-invented  institution,  its  claims  on  the  public 
would  sustain  no  higher  rank  than  those  of  any  tempo- 
rary association  which  rose  on  the  surface  of  society, 
floated  with  the  current  for  a  brief  period,  and  then 
sunk  and  was  heard  of  no  more.  The  fundamental 
distinction  of  Freemasonry  was  based  on  its  antiquity; 
and,  unless  that  could  be  clearly  established,  its  per- 
manency was  problematical.  The  consideration  of  this 
point  occupied  the  serious  attention  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
at  its  quarterly  communications;  and  at  length,  it  was 
unanimously  resolved  to  lay  before  the  public  a  succinct 
history  of  Freemasonry  from  the  earliest  times,  that  its 
reputation  might  be  established  on  the  sure  pillar  of 
historic  truth,  from  which  there  could  be  no  appeal. 

To   promote    this   object,  Dr.  Anderson,   the  Junior 


1  The  French  Masons  answered  this  question  in  their  lectures  thus : — 
"  Francma9onnerie  contribue  &  rendre  Thomme  plus  parfait,  ou  plus 
hcureux.  plus  sociable,  ou  plus  huraain." 


246  INTRODUCTION. 

Grand  Warden,  was  directed,  by  an  official  resolution 
of  the  Grand  Lodge,  to  "collect  copies  of  the  old  Gothic 
Constitutions,  and  digest  them  into  a  better  method."2 
When  he  had  accomplished  this  undertaking,  his  labours 
were  committed  to  the  examination  of  a  committee  of 
fourteen  learned  Brethren,  and  the  result  is  described  in 
the  following  resolution: — "At  a  Grand  Lodge  holden. 
on  the  25th  March,  1722,  the  said  committee  of  fourteen 
reported  that  they  had  perused  Brother  Anderson's 
manuscript,  viz.,  the  history,  charges,  regulations,  and 
Master's  song;  and,  after  some  amendments,  had  ap- 
proved of  it.  Upon  which  the  Lodge  desired  the  Grand 
Master  to  order  it  to  be  printed."3 

The  details  of  this  process  were,  however,  attended 
with  an  evil  equally  unforeseen  and  irremediable.  Some 
few  fastidious  Brethren,  distrusting  the  wisdom  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  in  authorizing  the  above  measure,  which 
was  found  necessary  for  the  general  welfare  of  the  craft 
took  the  alarm,  and  several  very  valuable  MSS.  concern- 
ing the  fraternity,  their  lodges,  regulations,  charges, 
secrets,  and  usages,  particularly  one  in  the  handwriting 
of  Nicholas  Stone,  the  warden  under  Inigo  Jones,  were 
too  hastily  burnt,  that  these  papers  might  not  fall  into 
improper  hands. 

The  commentator  on  Dr.  Anderson's  book  thus  judi- 
ciously remarks  on  this  rash  and  unnecessary  proceeding, 
by  which  a  series  of  evidences,  whose  value  to  the  frater- 
nity can  neither  be  ascertained  nor  supplied,  were  irre- 
coverably lost : — "  The  rash  act  may  be  ascribed  to  a 
jealousy  in  these  over-scrupulous  Brethren,  that  com- 
mitting to  print  anything  relating  to  Masonry  would  be 
injurious  to  the  interests  of  the  craft.  But  surely  such 
an  act  offclo  de  se  could  not  proceed  from  zeal  according 
to  knowledge !" 

Enough,  however,  remained  to  give  character  and  con- 
sistency to  the  Order ;  and  we  do  not  find  that  its  claims 
to  a  remote  antiquity  were  ever  again  called  into 

2  "  At  a  Grand  Lodge.  September  29, 1721,  the  Grand  Master  and  tho 
lodge  finding  tault  with  all  the  copies  of  the  old  Gothic  Constitutions, 
ordered  Brother  Anderson  to  digest  the  same  in  a  new  and  better  method." 
From  the  Minutes. 

3  A  similar  resolution  was  passed  in  1735,  when  a  new  edition  of  the 
"  Book  of  Constitutions  "  appeared. 


INTRODUCTION.  247 

question.  It  continued  gradually  to  increase  in  numbers 
and  respectability,  under  the  judicious  guidance  of  its 
noble  Grand  Masters  ;  and  at  length  attained  so  high  a 
rank  as  a  social  institution,  as  to  excite  into  action 
numerous  imitations,  which  rose  into  a  temporary 
notice,  but  failed  to  establish  themselves  in  the  opinion 
of  the  public.  These  were  generally  free  arid  easy 
convivial  societies ;  and  assumed  the  names  of  Grand 
Volgi,  Grand  Kaiheber,  Hurlothrumbians,  Ubiquarians, 
Gormagons,  whom  Hogarth  has  ridiculed  so  admirably, 
Hiccubites,  Scald  Miserables,4  and  many  others  of  face- 
tious memory,  all  of  which  descended,  one  after  the 
other,  in  solemn  procession  to  the  tomb  of  the  Capulets, 
and  their  peculiarities  are  shrouded  in  a  common  mau- 
soleum.5 

Meanwhile  our  noble  Order  kept  on  the  noiseless  tenor 
of  its  way,  uninjured  by  occasional  volleys  of  small  shot 
from  the  pop-guns  of  its  feeble  opponents ;  arid  not  af- 

4  I  copy  the  following  burlesque  extract  from  a  broad  sheet  printed  in 
ridicule  of  masonic  processions  : — "  The  remonstrance  of  the  R.  W.  the 
Grand  Master,  £c.,  of  the  Scald  Miserable  Masons. — Whereas,  by  our 
manifesto  some  time  past,  dated  from  our  lodge  in  Brick-street,  we  did, 
in  the  most  explicit  manner,  vindicate  the  ancient  rites  and  privileges  of 
this  society,  and  by  incontestible  arguments,  evince  our  superior  dignity  and 
seniority  to  all  other  institutions ;  nevertheless,  the  Freemasons  still  continue 
to  arrogate  to  themselves  the  usurped  titles  of  Most  Ancient  and  Honour- 
able, in  open  violation  of  truth  and  justice  ;  still  endeavour  to  impose 
their  false  mysteries  on  the  credulous  and  unwary,  under  pretence  of  being 
part  of  our  brotherhood  ;  and  still  are  determined,  with  drums,  trumpets, 
gilt  chariots,  and  other  unconstitutional  finery,  to  cast  a  reflection  on  the 
primitive  simplicity  and  decent  economy  of  our  ancient  annual  peregrina- 
tion.    We  therefore  think  proper,  in  justification  of  ourselves,  publicly  to 
disclaim  all  relation  or  alliance  whatsoever  with  the  said  society  of  Free- 
masons, as  the  same  must  manifestly  tend  to  the  sacrifice  of  our  dignity, 
the  impeachment  of  our  understanding,  and  the  disgrace  of  our  solemn 
mysteries." 

5  "  Several  of  these  clubs  or  societies  have,  in  imitation  of  the  Free- 
masons, called  their  club  by  the  name  of  lodge,  and  their  presidents  by 
the  title  of  Grand  Master,  or  Noble  Grand.     Hence  the  meanest  club 
think  they  have  a  right  to  the  freedom  of  communication  among  them- 
selves equal  to  any  unchartered  society,  though  composed  of  the  most 
respectable  persons.     Nor  is  the  custom  or  constitution  of  the  country 
unfavourable  to  this  opinion.     And  whereas,  a  great  number  of  those 
clubs  or  societies,  without  scripture  or  law  to  recommend  them,  have  ex- 
isted and  multiplied  for  several  years  past,  no  wonder  Freemasonry  should 
meet  with  encouragement,  as  being  the  only  society  in  the  universe  which 
unites  men  of  all  professions,  believing  in  the  Almighty  Creator  of  all 
things,  in  one  sacred  band."  (Ahiman  Kezon,  28th  ed.  1813.) 


24-8  1  .\TIIUDUCT1ON. 

fected  even  by  the  heavy  ordnance  of  more  potential 
adversaries. 

"  The  world  was  in  pain 
The  secrets  to  gain."6 

But  their  most  abstruse  speculations  were  incomprehen- 
sible and  absurd,  as  may  be  gathered  from  the  following 
conjectures  of  the  witty  Dean  of  St.  Patrick's.  On  the 
symbols  he  thus  expresses  himself  in  his  usual  felicitous 
manner: — "  A  bee,  in  all  ages  and  nations,  has  been  the 
grand  hieroglyphic  of  Masonry,  because  it  excels  all 
other  living  creatures  in  the  contrivance  and  commodi 
ousness  of  its  habitation  or  comb.  The  Egyptians  paid 
divine  worship  to  a  bee  under  the  outward  shape  of  a 
bull,  the  better  to  conceal  the  mystery  ;  which  bull,  by 
them  called  apis,  is  the  Latin  word  for  a  bee.  The 
enigma  representing  the  bee  by  a  bull  consists  in  this — 
that,  according  to  the  doctrine  of  the  Pythagorean  lodge 
of  Freemasons,  the  souls  of  all  the  cow  kind  transmigrate 
into  bees  :  what  modern  Masons  call  a  lodge  was,  for  the 
above  reasons,  by  antiquity,  called  a  hive  of  Freenuisons. 
And,  for  the  same  reasons,  when  a  dissension  happens  in 
a  lodge,  the  going  off  and  forming  another  lodge  is  called 
to  this  day  swarming."7  I  have  extracted  the  honey  from 
what  the  satirical  dean  has  said  on  the  subject. 

It  is  ingenious  and  witty,  but  his  reverence  is  totally 
at  fault,  as  he  is  also  in  his  account  of  the  signs  and 
tokens  of  Masonry. — "Now  as  to  the  secret  words  and 

6  This  curiosity  raspecting  the  secret  pursuits  of  our  lodges,  is  still  a 
very  powerful  feeling  in  the  uninitiated  world  ;  and  there  are  many  vili- 
fiers  of  the  Order  who  would  gladly  penetrate  the  veil,  if  they  possessed 
the  means  of  accomplishing  their  object  surreptitiously.  A  clever  writer 
in  the  "  London  Magazine"  (De  Quincey),  who  had  suffered  himself  to  be 
obnubilated  by  the  wild  dreams  of  Professor  Buhle,  speaks  of  Masonry 
as  a  problem  sub  judice,  and  classes  it  with  other  outstanding  problems 
in  history,  which  furnish  occasion  for  the  display  of  extensive  reading 
and  critical  acumen.  In  reference  to  persons,  e.  g.,  What  became  of  the 
ten  tribes  of  Israel  ?  Did  Brennus  and  his  Gauls  penetrate  into  Greece  ? 
In  reference  to  things  ;  as — Who  built  Stonehenge  ?  Who  discovered 
the  compass  ?  What  was  the  golden  fleece  ?  Was  the  siege  of  Troy  a 
romance,  or  a  grave  historic  fact  ?  Who  wrote  the  letters  of  Junius  ? 
In  reference  to*  usages  ;  as  the  May-pole  and  May-day  dances,  &c.,  &c. 
In  reference  to  words  ;  as,  whence  came  the  mysterious  labarum  of  Con- 
stantine  ?  Among  the  problems  of  the  first  of  these  classes,  says  the 
above  writer,  there  are  not  many  more  irritating  to  the  curiosity  than 
that  which  concerns  the  well-known  Order  of  Freemasons. 

T  Swift's  Works.     Ed.  1766,  vol.  xii.,  p.  253. 


INTRODUCTION.  249 

signals  used  among  Masons,"  he  says,  "it  is  to  be  ob- 
served that  in  the  Hebrew  alphabet  there  are  four  pair 
of  letters,  of  which  each  pair  are  so  like,  that,  at  the  first 
view,  they  seem  to  be  the  same.  Beth  and  Caph,  Gimel 
and  Nun,  Cheth  and  Thau,  Daleth  and  Resch  ;  and  on 
these  depend  all  their  signals  and  gripes.  Cheth  and 
Thau  are  shaped  like  two  standing  gallowses  of  two  legs 
each  ;  when  two  Masons  accost  each  other,  one  cries 
Cheth,  the  other  answers  Thau  ;  signifying  that  they 
would  sooner  be  hanged  on  the  gallows  than  divulge  the 
secret.  Then  again,  Beth  and  Caph  are  each  like  a  gal- 
lows lying  on  one  of  the  side  posts,  and,  when  used  as 
above,  imply  this  pious  prayer — May  all  who  reveal  the 
secret  hang  upon  the  gallows  till  it  fall  down.  This  is 
their  Master  secret,  generally  called  the  Great  Word. 
Daleth  and  Resch  are  like  two  half  gallowses,  or  a  gal- 
lows cut  in  two  at  the  cross  stick  on  the  top,  by  which, 
when  pronounced,  they  intimate  to  each  other  that  they 
would  rather  be  half  hanged  than  name  either  word  or 
signal  before  any  but  a  Brother,  so  as  to  be  understood. 
When  one  says  Gimel,  the  other  answers  ISun  ;  then  the 
first  again,  joining  both  letters  together,  repeats  three 
times  Gimel-Nun,  Gimel-Nun,  Gimel-Nun;  by  which 
they  mean  that  they  are  united  as  one  in  interests, 
secresy,  and  affection."8 

But  to  be  serious.  Freemasonry  was  too  deeply  im- 
bedded in  the  cement  of  its  native  merits  to  heed  these 
desultory  facts,  how  pointed  soever  the  satire  might  be 
which  was  launched  against  it. 

The  dearth  of  masonic  publications  in  these  times  may 
be  accounted  for,  by  supposing  that  the  scientific  Mason 
felt  himself  so  secure  in  his  stronghold  as  to  consider 
that  his  position  needed  no  apology.  If  the  outer  de- 
fences of  the  science  were  attacked,  he  considered  them 
of  little  exclusive  importance,  as  they  would  stand  or 
fall  with  the  intelligence  of  the  age.  And  retiring  into 
the  inner  works  of  morality  and  the  cardinal  virtues,  he 
made  his  stand  ;  and,  if  the  purity  of  these  were  ques- 
tioned, he  appealed  to  masonic  practice  arid  masonic 
charity,  and  placed  himself  on  the  strong  basis  afforded 
by  the  theological  virtues  of  Christianity,  which  he  knew 

»  Swift's  Works,  vol.  xii.  p.  250. 


250  INTRODUCTION. 

to  be  impregnable,  because  their  observance  needed  nei- 
ther justification  nor  defence.  And  as  it  was  not  a  prose- 
lyting system,  the  Brethren  were  perfectly  satisfied  in 
the  quiet  enjoyment  of  their  privileges,  without  offerim; 
them  to  the  acceptance  of  others,  or  refusing  the  partici- 
pution  of  them  to  any  worthy  friend  who  voluntarily 
sought  admission  into  the  society.  Indeed,  the  reasons 
of  the  fraternity,  at  that  period,  for  their  literary  absti- 
nence were  publicly  stated  to  be  these — that  "consider- 
ing the  nourishing  state  of  our  lodges,  where  regular 
instruction  and  suitable  exercises  are  ever  ready  for  all 
Brethren  who  zealously  aspire  to  improve  in  masonical 
knowledge,  new  publications  are  unnecessary  on  a  sub- 
ject which  books  cannot  teach."9 

It  must  be  further  considered,  that  at  this  period,  polite 
literature  was  only  just  in  its  dawn,  and  had  not  yet  shed 
that  full  effulgence  of  light  over  the  world  which  was 
destined  to  dissipate  the  almost  Gothic  ignorance  that 
distinguished  the  early  part  of  the  reign  of  Anne,  when 
rank  and  title  were  considered  the  rivals  of  learning  and 
science  ;  and,  as  was  observed  by  Johnson,  "  that  general 
knowledge  which  now  circulates  in  common  talk,  was 
then  rarely  to  be  found.  Men,  not  professing  learning, 
were  not  ashamed  of  ignorance;  and  in  the  female  world 
any  acquaintance  with  books  was  distinguished  only  to 
be  censured."10  And  hence  the  manners  of  men  were  so 
unrefined,  that  they  took  pleasure  in  amusements  which 
we,  of  the  present  age,  are  unable  to  reconcile  with  the 
dictates  of  humanity  or  the  precepts  of  religion.  Hard 
drinking,  bull  and  cock  fighting,  bear  baiting,  and  other 
similar  diversions,  were  not  confined  to  the  lower  classes 
of  society,  but  formed  a  point  of  attraction  to  gentlemen 
of  the  highest  quality  in  the  kingdom,  and  it  was  not 
esteemed  dishonourable  for  females  to  be  present  at.  thes*» 
disgusting  exhibitions.11 

9  See  Constitutions,  Ed.  1784,  note,  sub  anno  1783. 

}  Lives  of  the  Poets,  vol.  ii. 

11  But  though  it  is  clear,  from  existing  records,  that  the  Brethren  did 
not  generally  indulge  in  any  excessive  degree  of  intemperance,  or  carry 
their  convivialities  to  an  unreasonable  height,  yet  it  is  no  less  true,  that 
the  cheerful  glass  was  accompanied  by  toasts,  and  sen  time' Is,  and  songs  ; 
and,  in  too  many  instances,  this  formed  the  chief  business  of  the  meeting. 
From  the  by-laws  of  an  old  lodge  at  Lincoln,  over  which  Sir  Cecil  Wray 
presided,  it  appears  that  the  fine  for  any  breach  of  discipline  was  "abot 


INTRODUCTION.  251 

The  fraternity  at  length  discovered  that  the  dignified 
bearing  which  they  had  hitherto  observed  towards  their 
adversaries,  was  too  exclusive.  It  was  showing  too  great 
an  indifference — not  to  say  contempt — for  public  opinion, 
and  gave  the  enemies  of  Masonry  an  advantage,  of  which 
they  did  not  fail  to  profit,  and  objections  were  urged  by 
rival  institutions  with  a  pertinacity  which  it  was  found 
necessary  to  combat  from  the  press.12  Charges  and  Ad- 
dresses were,  therefore,  delivered  by  Brethren  in  authority, 
on  the  fundamental  principles  of  the  Order,  and  they 
were  printed,  to  show  that  its  morality  was  sound,  and 
not  in  the  slightest  degree  repugnant  to  the  precepts  of 
our  most  holy  religion.  These  were  of  sufficient  merit 
to  ensure  a  wide  circulation  amongst  the  fraternity,  from 
whence  they  spread  into  the  world  at  large,  and  proved 
decisive  in  fixing  the  credit  of  the  institution  for  solemnity 
of  character,  and  a  taste  for  serious  and  profitable  inves- 
tigations. 

Another  cause  of  the  dearth  of  Masonic  publications 
in  the  early  days  after  the  revival  of  Masonry,  existed  in 
the  difficulties  under  which  composition  laboured  ;  for 
the  style  of  the  English  language  had  not  a-ttained  to  all 
the  purity  of  which  it  was  susceptible  till  it  became 
refined  by  the  literary  labours  of  Addison  and  Steele. 

tie  of  wine,  to  be  drank  by  the  Brethren  present ;''  and  there  is  reason  to 
believe  that  this  was  the  usual  custom. 

12  It  was  the  absence  of  authentic  writings  which  furnished  the  heresi- 
arch  Weishaupt  with  his  chief  arguments ;  and  bad  and  inconclusive  as 
they  were,  his  disciples  received  them  with  the  greatest  avidity.  "  I  de- 
clare," says  he,  "  and  I  challenge  all  mankind  to  contradict  my  assertion, 
that  no  man  can  give  any  account  of  the  Order  of  Freemasonry,  of  its 
origin,  of  its  history,  of  its  object,  nor  any  explanation  of  its  mysteries 
and  symbols,  which  does  not  leave  the  mind  in  total  uncertainty  on  all 
these  points.  Every  man  is  entitled,  therefore,  to  give  any  explanation 
of  the  symbols,  and  any  system  of  the  doctrines,  that  he  can  render  palat- 
able. Hence  have  sprung  up  that  variety  of  systems  which,  for  twenty 
years  have  divided  the  Order.  The  simple  tale  of  the  English,  the  fifty 
degrees  of  the  French,  and  the  knights  of  the  Baron  Hunde,  are  equally 
authentic,  and  have  equally  had  the  support  of  intelligent  and  zealous 
Brethren.  These  systems  are,  in  fact,  but  one.  They  have  all  sprung 
from  the  blue  lodge  of  three  degrees ;  take  these  for  their  standard,  and 
found  on  these  all  the  improvements  by  which  each  system  is  afterwards 
suited  to  the  particular  object  which  it  keeps  in  view.  There  is  no  man 
nor  system  in  the  world  which  can  show,  by  undoubted  succession,  that  it 
should  stand  at  the  head  of  the  Order."  On  such  sophisms  did  Weishaupt 
found  his  claims  to  credence ;  and,  strange  to  say,  they  were  received 
by  the  multitude  as  orthodox  and  irrefutable. 
JO 


252  INTRODUCTION. 

This  may  be  gathered  from  the  fate  of  the  most  popular 
work  of  the  day.  I  allude  to  Collier's  Essays  on  various 
subjects,  which  display  an  inelegance  of  diction,  not- 
withstanding their  extensive  circulation,  that  detracted 
from  their  value,  and  caused  them  to  be  laid  aside 
when  the  harmonious  cadences  and  flowing  language 
which  distinguished  the  "Spectators"  had  improved 
the  literary  taste  of  the  age.  The  occasional  produc- 
tions of  eminent  Masons  were  amongst  the  earliest 
efforts  of  this  happy  reformation  in  our  language ;  and 
we  may  appeal  to  them  with  the  assured  confidence  that 
their  claims  will  not  be  disallowed. 

The  attempted  exposure  of  Freemasonry  was  not 
confined  to  verbal  insinuations,  or  vague  conjectures  re- 
specting its  tendency  and  design  ;  but  displayed  itself  by 
numerous  experiments  on  the  credulity  of  the  public,  in 
a  series  of  pamphlets  professing  to  reveal  the  secret 
practices  of  its  private  meetings  ;  and  from  the  rapidity 
with  which  they  appeared,  it  should  seem  that  the 
object  of  the  authors  was  answered  by  an  ample  and 
remunerative  consumption.  Their  insane  pretensions  to 
the  extinction  of  the  Order,  were,  however,  not  verified  ; 
for  it  steadily  maintained  its  place  in  public  opinion,  and 
the  reiterated  attacks  of  its  opponents,  couched,  as  they 
were,  in  coarse  and  slovenly  language,  and  founded  on 
assumptions  which  were  proved  to  be  untrue,  failed  to 
make  the  slightest  impression  on  the  majestic  form  of 
Freemasonry,13  and  her  numbers  and  influence  increased 


13  A  German  author,  in  the  "Freemasons'  Lexicon,"  which- is  now  in 
course  of  translation  for  the  "  Freemasons'  Quarterly  Review,"  by  Bro. 
G.  Watson,  says  : — "  When  it  is  maintained  by  the  world  that  the  books 
which  are  said  to  have  been  written  by  oppressed  Freemasons,  contain 
the  secrets  of  Freemasonry,  it  is  a  very  great  error.  To  publish  an  ac- 
count of  the  ceremonies  of  the  lodge,  however  wrong  that  may  be,  does 
not  communicate  the  secrets  of  Freemasonry,  no  more  than  that  the 
liturgy  of  the  church  contains  true  religion.  Neither  are  any  of  the 
printed  rituals  correct,  because  they  are  printed  from  memory,  and  not 
from  a  lodge  copy.  In  Europe  there  are  at  least  eleven  different  rituals  ; 
and  if  every  one  of  them  was  printed  correctly,  ift  could  contain  only  a 
small  portion  of  the  forms  of  Freemasonry.  Neither  has  any  one,  who 
has  been  admitted  into  the  higher  degrees,  published  the  secrets  of  those 
degrees.  Enquiries  into  the  history  of  the  Order,  and  the  true  meaning 
of  its  hieroglyphics  and  ceremonies  by  learned  Brethren  cannot  be  con- 
sidered treason,  for  the  Order  itself  recommends  the  study  of  its  history, 
and  that  every  Brother  should  instruct  his  fellows  as  much  as  possible.*' 


INTRODUCTION.  253 

in  proportion  with  the  virulence  of  those  who  sought  to 
weaken  her  defences  by  an  insidious  conspiracy  against 
the  beneficent  objects  of  her  association.14 

It  will  only  be  necessary  to  enumerate  these  pre- 
tended exposures,  to  show  the  animus  by  which  the 
warfare  was  actuated  and  maintained.15  And,  strange  to 
say,  it  commenced  at  a  period  when  Freemasonry  was 
in  a  state  of  comparative  inactivity,  during  the  reign  of 
Charles  II.  The  following  catalogue  of  these  spurious 
publications  may  be  acceptable  : — 

1676.  A  short  Analysis  of  the  unchanged  rites  and  ceremonies  of  Free- 
masons. 

1685.  The  Paradoxical  Discourses  of  Fr.  Mercur.  van  Helmont,  concern- 

ing the  macrocosm  and  microcosm  of  the  greater  and  lesser 
world,  and  their  union. 

1686.  An  account  of  the  Freemasons.     By  Dr.  Plot. 
1698.  A  short  Charge.     0.  D.  A.  A.  M.  F.  M.  K.  0. 
1709.  The  Secret  History  of  Clubs,  with  their  original. 

1712.  Observations  and  Enquiries  relating  to  the  Brotherhood  of  the 

Freemasons.   By  Simon  Townsend. 
1724.  The  Grand  Mystery  of  the  Gormagons. 
1724.  The  Grand  Mystery  of  Freemasons  discovered ;  wherein  are  the 


14  Thus  a  writer  in  the  "  Craftsman,"  No.  563,  published  April  16th, 
1736,  having  asserted  that  those  who  hanged  Capt.  Porteous  at  Edin- 
burgh were  all  Freemasons,  because  they  kept  the  secret  so  inviolably, 
an  allusion  to  it  w-as  introduced  in  the  secretary's  song,  as  follows  : — 

"  In  vain  would  D'Anvers  show  his  wit, 

Our  slow  resentment  raise, 
What  he  and  all  mankind  hath  writ, 

But  celebrates  our  praise. 
His  wit  this  only  truth  imparts, 

That  Masons  have  firm  faithful  hearts." 

15  A  writer  of  the  period  thus  complains  of  the  spirit  that  pervaded  the 
the  opponents  of  Masonry  : — "  But  though  we  envy  not  the  prosperity  of 
any  society,  nor  meddle  with  their  transactions  and  characters,  we  have 
not  met  with  such  fair  treatment  from  others  ;  nay,  even  those  that  never 
had  an  opportunity  of  obtaining  any  certain  knowledge  of  us,  have  run 
implicitly  with  the  cry ;  and,  without  fear  or  wit,  have  vented  their 
spleen  in  accusing  and  condemning  us  unheard — untried  ;  while  we,  inno- 
cent and  secure  within,  laugh  only  at  their  gross  ignorance  and  impotent 
malice.     Have  not  people  in  former  ages,  as  well  as  now,  alleged  that  the 
Freemasons  in  their  lodges  raise  the  devil  in  a  circle,  and  when  they  have 
done  with  him,  that  they  lay  him  again  with  a  noise  or  a  hush,  as  they 
please?     How  have  some  diverted  themselves  with  the  wild  story  of  au 
old  woman  between  the  rounds  of  a  ladder  !     Others  will  swear  to  the 
cook's  red-hot  iron  or  salamander  for  making  an  indelible  character  on 
the  ne\v-made  Mason,  in  order  to  give  him  the  laculty  of  taciturnity 
Sure  such  blades  will  beware  of  coming  through  the  fingers  of  the  Free- 
masons ! " 


254  INTRODUCTION. 

several  questions  put  to  them  at  their  meetings  and  installations , 
as  also  thuir  uiih,  healths,  si-iis,  ai;«i  points  to  l;m.-\v  raeh  ether 
by;  as  they  were  found  in  the  en.- tody  ol  u  I'Yrrina.-o:!  wlio  died 
suddenly;  and  now  published  ibr  the  information  of  the  publir. 
1725.  Observations  and  Critical  Remarks  on  the  IK- w  Constitutions  of 
Freemason  )'y. 

1725.  The  Secret  History  of  Freemasonry  ;  being  an  accidental  discovery 

of  the  ceremonies  made  use  of  in  the  several  lodges,  upon  the 
admission  of  a  Brother  as  a  Free  and  Accepted  Mason,  <fcc. 

1726.  The  Freemasons'  Accusation  and  Defence,  in  six  genuine  letters 

between  a  gentleman  in  the  country  and  his  son,  a  student  in  the 
Temple ;  wherein  the  whole  affair  of  Masonry  is  fairly  debated, 
and  all  the  arguments  for  and  against  the  Fraternity  are  curiously 
and  impartially  handled. 

1726.  The  Post  Boy ;  a  genuine  discovery  of  Freemasonry. 

1728.  The  Flying  Post. 

1731.  Masonry  Dissected  ;  being  a  universal  and  genuine  description  of 
all  its  branches,  from  the  original  to  this  present  time  ;  giving  an 
impartial  account  of  their  regular  proceeding  ia  initiating  their 
new  members  in  the  whole  three  degrees  of  Masonry,  viz.,  the 
Entered  Prentice,  Fellow  Craft,  and  Master.  By  Samuel  Prichard, 
late  member  of  a  constituted  lodge.16 

1736.  The  Freemasons'  Vade  Mecum.17 

1737.  The  Mystery  of  Masonry. 

1737.  The  Secrets  of  Masonry  made  known  to  all  men.  By  Samuel 
Prichard. 

1737.  The  Mysterious  Reception  of  the  celebrated  society  of  Freemasons ; 

containing  a  true  account  of  their  ceremonies. 

1738.  Masonry  further  Dissected.   By  Samuel  Prichard. 

1738.  La  Fripounerie  laique  des  prttendus  esprits-forts,  en  Augleterre. 
ou  Remarques  de  Phileleuthere  de  Leipsig,  sur  le  discours  de  kt 
liberte  de  penser.  Translated  into  English,  by  Richard  Bentley. 

1745.  The  Testament  of  a  Freemason. 

1747.  L'Adepte  Ma£on,  ou  le  vrai  secret  des  Francs  Masons.  Printed 
in  London. 

1750.  Jachin  and  Boaz,  or  an  authentic  key  to  the  door  of  Fremasonry, 
both  ancient  and  modern  ;  calculated  not  only  tor  the  instruction 
of  the  new-made  Mason,  but  also  for  the  information  of  all  who 
intend  to  become  Brethren,  &c. 

16  This  was  boldly  avowed  to  be  the  genuine  catechism  of  Freemasonry, 
which  was  communicated  only  by  conference  from  one  lodge  to  another, 
or  from  one  Brother  to  another  ;  and  this  is  the  reason  why  we  have  so 
many  different  forms  of  the  masonic  catechism,  although  in  spirit  there  is 
no  material  difference  in  any  of  them.  As  a  religious  catechism  contains 
a  summary  of  all  that  is  taught  by  that  religion,  so  our  catechism  contains 
the  essence  of  Freemasony;  but  it  is  not  to  be  understood  without  the 
teacher  taking  great,  pains  to  instruct  the  student,  nor  without  having 
been  previously  taught  in  a  lodge,  and  being  able  to  reflect  upon  and 
remember  the  instructions  there  given.  This  work  was  answered  by  Dr. 
Anderson. 

17  The  Vade  Mecum  was  condemned  by  the  Grand  Lodge  as  a  piratical 
and  silly  publication,  done  without  leave ;  and  the  Brethren  were  warned 
not  to  use  it,  nor  encourage  the  sale  thereof. 


INTRODUCTION.  255 

1751.  Le  Ma9ou  demasque  ou  le  vrai  secret  des  F.  M.  mis  au  jour  dans 

touks  ses  parties  avec  sinverite  et  sans  deguisement.  Printed  in 
London. 

1752.  The  Thinker  upon  Freemasonry. 

1754.  The  Point  of  a  Mason,  formed  out  of  his  own  materials. 
1754.  The  Masons'  Creed. 

1754.  The  Ghost  of  Masonry. 

1755.  Manifesto  and  Masons'  Creed. 

1755.  Discovery  of    the  secrets  of  Masonry.     Printed  in  the  Scots' 
Magazine. 

1759.  The  Secrets  of  Masonry  Eevealed,  by  a  disgusted  Brother.     Con- 

taining an  ingenious  account  of  their  origin,  their  practices  in  the 
lodge,  signs  and  watchwords,  proceedings  at  the  making,  &c. 

1760.  A  Master  Key  to  Freemasonry  ;  by  which  all  the  secrets  of  the 

society  are  laid  open,  and  their  pretended  mysteries  exposed  to 
the  public,  with  an  accurate  account  of  the  examination  of  the 
Apprentice,  Fellowcraft.  and  Master,  &c. 

1763.  Allegorical  Conversations  Organized  by  Wisdom. 

1764.  An  Institute  of  Red  Masonry. 

1764.  Hiram,  or  the  Grand  Master  Key  to  the  door  of  both  ancient  and 

modern  Freemasonry ;  being  an  accurate  description  of  every 
degree  of  the  Brotherhood,  as  authorized  and  delivered  in  all  good 
lodges.  Containing  more  than  any  other  book  on  the  subject 
ever  before  published.  By  a  member  of  the  Royal  Arch. 

1765.  Shibboleth,  or  every  man  a  Freemason. 

1766.  Solomon  in  all  his  Glory,  or  the  Master  Mason  ;  being  a  true  guide 

to  the  inmost  recesses  of  Freemasonry,  both  ancient  and  modern. 
Containing  a  minute  account  of  the  proceedings,  &c.  By  T.  W. 
Translated  from  the  French  original,  published  at  Berlin  ;  and 
burnt  by  order  of  the  King  of  Prussia,  at  the  intercession  of  the 
Freemasons. 

1767.  The  Three  distinct  Knocks  ;  or  the  door  of  the  most  ancient  Free- 

masonry opened  to  all  men,  neither  naked  nor  clothed,  barefooted 
nor  shod.  Being  an  universal  description  of  all  its  branches, 
from  its  first  rise  to  the  present  time,  as  it  is  delivered  in  all 
lodges.  By  W.  0.  Y.  M. 

1767.  The  Secret  Mysteries  of  the  High  Degrees  of  Masonry  Unveiled  ; 

or  the  true  Rose  Croix.     Translated  from  the  French. 

1768.  Masonry  the  way  to  hell.     A  sermon,  wherein  is  clearly  proved, 

both  from  reason  and  scripture,  that  all  who  profess  the  mys- 
teries are  in  a  state  of  damnation. 

1769.  The  Freemason  stripped  naked  ;  or  the  whole  art  and  mystery  of 

Freemasonry  made  plain  and  easy  to  all  capacities,  by  a  faithful 
account  of  every  secret  from  the  first  making  of  a  Mason,  till  he 
is  completely  master  of  every  branch  of  his  profession.  By  Charles 
Warren,  Esq..,  late  Grand  Master  of  a  regularly  constituted  lodge 
in  the  city  of  Cork. 

1770.  Art  Royal  du  Chevalier  de  Rose  Croix.     Printed  in  London. 
1788.  Les  Jesuites  chasses  de  la  Ma9onnerie  et  leur  poignard  brise  par 

les  Masons.     La  Magonncrie  Ecossaise  comparee  avec  les  trois 
Professions  et  la  secret  des  Templiers  du  14*  Siecle.     Mete  des 
quatre  voeux  de  la  compagnie  de  Saint  Ignace  ct  des  quatre 
grades  de  la  Ma^OHnerie  de  St.  Jean.     Printed  in  London. 
1792.  Freemasonry  of  the  Ladies,  or  the  grand  secret  disclosed. 


25<>  INTRODUCTION. 

1792.  The  Veil  Withdrawn  ;    or  the  secret  of  the  French   Revolution 
explained  by  the  help  of  Freemasonry. 

The  above  list,  with  the  heavy  works  of  Barruel  and 
Robison,  published  at  the  latter  end  of  the  century,  occn- 
sionally  reinforced  by  articles  in  popular  periodicals,  will 
serve  to  show  that  Freemasonry  was  considered  like  some 
gigantic  Polyphemus,  against  whom  it  was  esteemed 
honourable  to  shiver  a  lance,  even  though  tin-  recoil 
should  be  injurious  to  the  assailant.  Many  of  these 
productions  were  too  absurd  to  be  noticed;  others 
carried  their  own  refutation  along  with  them  ;  while 
a  few  there  were  which  it  was  thought  expedient  to 
refute  by  sober  argument,  and  a  brief  display  of  the  real 
objects  of  the  institution,  and  of  the  manner  in  which 
they  were  carried  into  practical  effect  by  the  general 
regulations  of  the  society. 

Notwithstanding  the  number  of  these  spurious  publica- 
tions, and  the'pertinacity  with  which  they  were  obtruded 
on  public  notice,  very  few  of  their  authors  succeeded  in 
obtaining  any  credit  amongst  right-minded  men.  How 
plausible  soever  they  were  introduced  ;  even  though  the 
veracity  of  their  contents  were  asserted  on  oath  before 
the  civil  magistrate,18  few  converts  were  made  by  their 
instrumentality ;  for  what  credit  could  be  attached  to 
the  affidavit  of  a  man  who  solemnly  swore  that  he  had 
revealed  the  secrets  which,  by  his  own  acknowledgment, 
he  had  already  sworn  as  solemnly  to  conceal;  the  diffi- 
culty was  insurmountable;  and  the  fraternity  enjoyed 
the  inextricable  dilemma  in  which  the  perjurers  were 
placed. 

The  fabricators  appear  to  have  been  sensible  of  this 
dilemma,  and,  to  neutralize  its  effects,  they  dedicated 
their  lucubrations  to  the  fraternity,  for  the  purpose  of 
inspiring  a  confidence  that  they  contained  the  genuine 
secrets  of  the  Order,  as  actually  practised  in  the  tyled 
recesses  of  the  lodge.19  This  ingenious  pretext,  however, 

18  Thus  we  find  affixed  to  Prichard's  book  the  following-  affidavit : — 
"  Jur.  13,  die  Oct.  1730,  coram  me  R.  Hopkins.— Samuel  Prichard  mak- 
eth  oath  that  the  copy  hereto  annexed  is  a  true  and  genuine  copy  in  every 
particular." 

19  Prichard  inscribed  his  work  to  the  "  Right  Worshipful  and  Honour- 
able Fraternity  of  Free  and  Accepted  Masons.— Brethren  and  Fellows,— 
If  the  following  sheets,  done  without  partiality,  gain  the  universal  ap- 


INTRODUCTION.  257 

was  unsuccessful,  because  it  was  known  to  be  a  fiction. 
For  how  could  that  be  made  public  for  the  use  of  the 
lodges,  which,  as  it  was  openly  avowed,  the  Brethren 
had  entered  into  the  most  solemn  obligations  to  preserve 
inviolate  : — and  how  could  they  be  secrets  which  were 
thus  openly  displayed?  It  was  finally  concluded  that 
these  publications  did  not  contain  any  correct  informa- 
tion on  the  mysteries  of  the  craft ;  or,  if  a  few  grains  of 
wheat  were  mixed  amongst  a  mountain  of  chaff,  they 
could  not  be  extracted,  because  they  were  not  distingish- 
able  by  an  unpractised  examiner.  Like  the  Roman 
ancilia,  truth  and  falsehood  assumed  an  appearance  so 
similar  to  each  other,  that  it  was  not  possible  to  ascertain 
the  difference  betwe%en  them  ;  and  therefore  they  \vere 
alike  considered  undeserving  of  the  slightest  confidence. 
These  pretenders  might  find  occasional  readers,  but  it 
was  not  with  a  view  of  gaining  information  or  acquiring 
any  knowledge  of  the  peculiarities  of  an  institution  which 
was  open  to  every  honest  and  virtuous  inquirer ;  but 
perhaps  with  a  design  of  ascertaining  what  new  absurdi- 
ties were  offered  to  the  digestion  of  the  public.  Idlers 
at  a  coffee-house  might  take  up  one  of  these  pamphlets 
to  wile  away  a  vacant  hour ;  and  they  would  resign  it 
with  about  the  same  degree  of  edification  which  would 
have  followed  a  perusal  of  the  erudite  tales  of  the  fairies. 
They  considered  "  this  swarm  of  pamphleteers  who  stole 
each  an  hour,  as  wasters  of  human  life,  and  would  make 
no  other  difference  between  them,  than  between  a  beast 
of  prey  and  a  flight  of  locusts;"  and  it  is  probable  the 
verse  in  Pope's  paraphrase  of  Homer  would  frequently 
occur  to  such  a  casual  reader: — 

"  Who  dares  think  one  thing  and  another  tell, 
My  heart  detests  him  as  the  gate  of  hell." 

A  cotemporary  thus  describes  the  claims  which  such 
writers  have  to  veracity : — "  To  these  compositions  is 
required  neither  genius  nor  knowledge,  neither  industry 
nor  sprightliness,  but  contempt  of  shame  and  indifference 

plause  of  so  worthy  a  society,  I  doubt  not  but  their  general  character  will 
be  diffused  and  esteemed  among  the  remaining  polite  part  of  mankind ; 
which,  I  hope,  will  give  entire  satisfaction  to  all  lovers  of  truth ;  and  I 
shall  remain  with  all  humble  submission,  the  fraternity's  most  obedient 
humble  servant,  Samuel  Prichard." 


258  INTRODUCTION. 

to  truth  are  absolutely  necessary.  He  who,  by  a  long 
familiarity  with  infamy,  has  obtained  these  qualities,  may 
confidently  tell  to-day  what  he  intends  to  contradict  to- 
morrow; and  he  may  fearlessly  affirm  what  he  knows  he 
shall  be  obliged  to  recant."  In  a  word,  the  men  who 
could  thus  deliberately  violate  a  solemn  engagement  \vvre 
justly  considered  infamous;  for,  in  all  ages,  this  shame- 
less prostitution  of  principle  to  the  purposes  of  gain,  has 
been  met  by  the  reprobation  of  mankind.20 

On  the  other  hand,  supposing  the  absurd  pretensions 
of  these  books  to  have  been  well  founded,  how  did  their 
authors  propose  that  the  reader  should  be  benefited  by 
their  perusal?  He  could  not  make  his  appearance  at  a 
lodge  without  the  risk  of  being  discovered  and  branded 
as  an  impostor,21  a  character  which  would  not  have  ad- 

30  The  author  of  "  Multa  Faucis  for  Lovers  of  Secrets,"  does  not  won- 
der "  that  so  many  have  attempted  to  publish  these  impenetrable  mysteries 
of  the  fraternity,  under  various  pretences,  in  order  to  satisfy  the  curious." 
But,  he  adds,  the  readers  of  them  "  were  not  altogether  ignorant  of  the 
innumerable  volumes  published  by  the  eminent  and  learned  of  this  fra- 
ternity, whereby  Britain  is  become  mistress  of  all  the  arts  and  sciences ; — 
of  the  surprising  progress  Masonry  and  architecture  have  made  in  Great 
Britain  since  the  time  of  those  two  remarkable  architects — Inigo  Jones  and 
Sir  Christopher  Wren  ;  or  of  the  flourishing  condition  of  lodges  all  the 
world  over,  and  their  craving  the  patronage  of  our  noble  Grand  Master 
of  England.  Therefore,  the  authors  of  these  pamphlets  were  rightly 
judged  to  be  either  false  pretenders,  or  very  stupid,  ignorant  fellows, 
little  versed  in  that  noble  science." 

21  The  ill-disguised  curiosity  of  the  cowan  appears  to  have  been  a  never- 
failing  source  of  amusement  to  our  Brethren  of  the  last  century.  I 
remember  an  anecdote  to  this  effect  was  told  with  great  glee  by  the 
Brethren  with  whom  I  was  in  the  habit  of  associating  at  the  earliest 
period  of  my  initiation.  A  Quaker  Mason  formed  one  of  an  indiscriminate 
company  of  cowans  at  an  inn,  where  the  landlord  was  a  Brother.  Numerous 
jokes  were  cracked  at  the  expense  of  the  fraternity,  and  the  Quaker  was 
called  upon  to  show  them  the  Masons'  sign.  One  of  the  company  offered 
to  give  him  a  bottle  of  wine  if  he  would  comply  with  their  wishes  ;  and, 
at  length,  though  with  much  apparent  reluctance,  he  agreed,  on  condition 
that  the  wine  should  be  immediately  produced,  and  the  individual  con- 
sented to  receive  the  communication  privately ;  the  Quaker  adding — 
"  Friend,  if  thou  dost  not  confess  to  the  company  that  I  have  shown  thee 
a  Freemason's  sign,  I  will  pay  for  the  wine  myself."  The  proposition 
was  too  reasonable  to  be  refused,  and  the  curious  candidate  for  Masonic 
knowledge  retired  into  another  room  with  his  formal  friend.  When 
there,  the  following  dialogue  took  place  : — 

Quaker. — "  So,  friend,  thou  art  desirous  of  seeing  a  Freemason's  sign  ?" 
"I  am."  "Canst  thou  keep  a  secret?"  "  Try  me."  "Good!  Thou 
knowest  that  our  friend  Johnson  (the  innkeeper)  is  a  Mason  ?"  "I  do." 
"  Very  well."  Then  taking  him  by  the  arm  he  led  him  to  the  window 


INTRODUCTION.  259 

vanced  his  credit  either  in  his  public  or  private  capacity. 
He  could  not  have  displayed  his  knowledge  even  amongst 
his  friends  in  the  fraternity,  because  the  searching  ques- 
tion— simple  though  it  appear  to  be — "Where  were  you 
made  a  Mason?"  would  have  removed  the  veil,  and  la^d 
his  unauthorized  pretensions  bare,  to  his  eternal  shame. 
In  a  word,  no  benefit  whatever  could  be  derived  from 
these  publications,  even  supposing  them  to  be  true ;  and 
the  dilemma  was  insurmountable. 

"  Cui  non  conveniat  sua  res,  ut  calceus  olim, 
Si  pede  major  erit,  subvertet ;  si  minor,  uret." — Hon. 

Some  kind  of  reply  was,  at  length,  found  necessary, 
and  it  was  soon  forthcoming.  The  first  that  appeared  on 
the  stage  as  an  apologist  was  the  distinguished  author 
of  the  "History  of  Masonry,"  Dr.  Anderson.22  It  is 
true  he  had  been  preceded  by  a  few  masonic  pamphlets, 
but  they  were  not  of  a  controversial  character,  and  had 
been  published  simply  to  show  from  authority,  the  ten- 
dency of  masonic  teaching.  Thus,  in  1721,  Dr.  D'esagu- 
liers,23  the  late  Grand  Master,  issued,  in  a  printed  form, 

"  Dost  thou  see  that  ramping  lion  which  swings  from  yonder  upright  post?" 
"To  be  sure  I  do — it  is  our  landlord's  sign."  "Good!  Then,  friend, 
our  landlord  being  a  Freemason,  thou  art  satisfied  that  I  have  shown  thee 
a  Freemason's  sign,  and  thy  bottle  of  wine  is  forfeited.  For  thy  own  sake 
thou  wilt  keep  the  secret."  He  returned  into  the  room  with  a  look  of 
astonishment,  confessing  that  he  had  received  the  desired  information  ; 
and'the  mystery,  which  he  purposely  observed,  tempted  others  to  pur- 
chase the  secret  at  the  same  price. 

22  A  writer  who  styles  himself  Euclid,  and  uses  the  signature  of  the 
forty-seventh  proposition,  under  date  1738,  thus  characterizes  this  admi- 
rable defence  : — "  Some  think  the  ingenious  defender  has  spent  too  much 
learning  and  reasoning  upon  the  foolish  Dissection  that  is  justly  despised 
by  the  fraternity,  as  much  as  the  other  pretended  discoveries  of  their 
secrets  in  public  newspapers  and  pasquils,  all  of  a  sort ;  for  all  of  them 
put  together  do  not  discover  the  profound  and  sublime  things  of  old 
Masonry  ;  nor  can  any  man,  not  a  Mason,  make  use  of  those  incoherent 
smatterings,  interspersed  with  ignorant   nonsense  and    gross   falsities, 
among  bright  Brothers,  for  any  purpose  but  to  be  laughed  at." 

23  Bro.  Desaguliers  was  born  at  Rochelle  in  1683,  and  was  the  son  of  a 
French  Protestant  refugee.     While  he  was  an  infant,  his  father  brought 
him  into  England,  and  gave  him  an  excellent  education  at  Oxford.     The 
Duke  of  Chandos  made  him  his  chaplain ;  and  he  was  afterwards  chap- 
lain to  the  Prince  of  Wales.     He  introduced  tke  practice  of  reading 
public  lectures  on  experimental  philosophy  in  London  ;  and  made  several 
improvements    in    mechanics,   which  he  communicated    to   the   Royal 
Society.     He  was  a  member  of  several  foreign  academies  ;  and  published 
many  scientific  works. 

10* 


260  INTRODUCTION. 

an  oration  which  he  had  pronounced  in  Grand  Lodirr,  in 
the  presence  of  the  Duke  of  Montague  and  his  officers. 
A  few  years  later,  a  similar  oration  was  delivered  in  the 
Grand  Lodge  at  York,  and  another  at  ( 'juTnan  on.  both 
of  which  were  considered  of  sufficient  merit  to  appear 
before  the  public.  In  17:35,  the  celebrated  address  of 
Martin  Clare,  J.  G.  W.,  was  issued.  He  had  been  already 
authorized  to  revise  the  lodge  lectures,  which  difficult 
task  he  accomplished  to  the  satisfaction  and  edification 
of  the  Brethren.24 

In  1738  appeared  Dr.  Anderson's  celebrated  defence. 
It  was  a  most  learned  and  masterly  production,  and  com- 
pletely demolished  poor  Prichard,  who,  however,  mus- 
tered sufficient  courage  to  reply,  but  his  overthrow  was 
so  complete,  that  his  new  pamphlet  fell  dead  from  the 
press,  and  found  few  purchasers.  The  defence  contains 
an  admirable  vindication  of  the  ceremonies,  which  Prich- 
ard had  wofully  travestied,  for  the  purpose  of  exposing 
the  institution  to  ridicule;  and  his  attempt  was  success- 
ful amongst  people  of  doubtful  character,  who  possessed 
no  claims  to  an  honourable  participation  in  the  mysteries; 
and,  like  the  fox  in  the  fable  with  the  unattainable 
grapes,  rejoiced  in  the  existence  of  a  pretext  for  pro- 

24 1  find,  iu  an  ancient  Minute  book  belonging  to  the  Witharn  lodge  at 
Lincoln,  the  following  record  of  a  practice  iu  use  when  Sir  Cecil  Wray, 
Bart.,  who  was  D.  G.  M.  of  the  Order  in  England,  held  also  the  office  of 
Master  of  this  private  lodge  : — "Dec.  4,  1733.  Sir  Cecil  Wray,  Bart., 
Master.  Several  of  the  by-laws  were  read,  as  also  Bro.  Clare's  discourse 
on  S.  M.  and  G.  F.  Then  the  Master  went  through  an  examination  as 
usual. 

"  Aug.  6,  1734.— Sir  Cecil  Wray,  Bart.,  D.  G.  M.,  Master.  Several 
of  the  by-laws  and  regulations  out  of  the  book  of  Constitutions,  as  also 
Bro.  Clare's  discourse  relating  to  P — d,  were  read,  after  which  the  Mas- 
ter went  through  an  examination,  and  the  lodge  was  closed  with  a  song. 

"Jan.  6,  1735. — Sir  Cecil  Wray,  Bart.,  the  Master,  went  through  an 
examination ;  and  Bro.  Clare's  lecture  made  to  a  body  of  Free  and  Ac- 
cepted Masons,  assembled  at  a  quarterly  communication  held  near  Tem- 
ple-bar, Dec.  11,  1734,  was  read  by  Bro.  Becke."  It  is  clear  from  these 
entries  that  Martin  Clare's  lectures  were  enjoined  by  authority.  The 
warrant  of  the  above  lodge  was  dated  Sept.  7.  1730,  and  numbered,  in 
the  Grand  Lodge  books,  thirty-eight.  I  find,  however,  in  a  list  «>f  lotim  - 
appended  to  the  first  edition  of  the  '-Pocket  Companion."  published  in 
1736,  the  number  seventy-three  erroneously  assigned  to  it,  iV>r  it  stands 
thirty-eight  iu^  all  the  engraved  lists  published  by  the  grand  lodge,  and 
several  others  in  my  possession.  There  was  another  lodge  which  met  at 
the  Angel,  in  "  The  Bailywick  of  Lincoln,"  under  a  warrant  dated  Dec. 
28,  1737  ;  but  I  am  ignorant  of  the  number. 


INTRODUCTION.  261 

nouncing  sentence  against  it.  But  the  matter  terminated 
otherwise  with  persons  of  judgment  and  discrimination. 
The  manly  and  straightforward  arguments  used  by  Dr. 
Anderson,  produced  conviction  in  the  mind  of  every 
reader,  and  made  many  converts.  The  consequence  was, 
that  the  reputation  of  the  Order  was  increased  by  the  ad- 
hesion of  rank  and  talent;  and  the  very  next  quarterly 
communication,  after  its  appearance,  was  attended  by  the 
officers  of  ninety-two  lodges,  instead  of  about  sixty,  as 
had  been  previously  the  average  number.  And  at  the 
succeeding  Grand  Lodge,  it  was  ordered  that  the  laws 
should  be  strictly  executed  against  all  irregularities,  or 
whatever  else  might  tend  to  break  the  cement  of  the 
fraternity. 

This  period  was  also  marked  by  the  extension  of  the 
craft  throughout  England ;  and  new  lodges  were  estab- 
lished in  every  town  of  importance.  Hence  it  was  found 
necessary  to  appoint  Provincial  Grand  Masters  to  regu- 
late the  affairs  of  the  craft  in  districts  at  a  distance  from 
the  metropolis,  to  prevent  the  introduction  of  innova- 
tions, and  to  preserve  an  uniformity  of  practice  in  the 
country  lodges. 

In  the  following  year  a  work  was  published  called 
"  The  Beginning  and  First  Foundation  of  the  most  wor- 
thy Craft  of  Masonry."  This  was  intended  to  prove  its 
antiquity;  which  had  been  scarcely  questioned,  because 
the  evidences  were  easily  accessible  that  showed  its  ex- 
istence in  England  many  centuries  before  the  art  of  print- 
ing was  invented  ;  and  the  subtleties  of  special  pleading, 
or  as  Hudibras  expresses  it,  a  power  to 


•distinguish  and  divide 


A  hair  'twixt  south  and  southwest  side ; 
On  either  which  he  would  dispute, 
Confute,  change  hands,  and  still  confute," 

had  not  then  obtained  such  complete  possession  of  the 
mind  as  to  induce  men  to  advance  arguments  in  support 
of  a  theory,  with  unanswerable  proofs  of  its  soundness 
before  their  eyes.  This  pamphlet  does  not  appear  to 
have  created  much  sensation,  because  its  object  was 
simply  to  assert  a  fact  which  had  never  been  formally 
denied. 

About  this  time,  Freemasonry  excited  considerable  at- 
tention on  the  continent  of  Europe,  by  the  squabbles  and 


262  INTRODUCTION. 

disputes  which  existed  amongst  the  adherents  of  the  nu- 
merous masonic  adventurers  who  swarmed  in  France  and 
Germany,  and  offered  its  privileges  to  the  acceptance  of 
good  and  bad  in  every  class,  merely  to  increase  their  num- 
bers ;  and  the  fulminations  of  the  Vatican  were  imitated 
and  followed  up  by  the  denunciations  of  Protestant  states 
and  political  associations  on  all  secret  societies  which 
were  based  on  the  principles  promulgated  by  Freema- 
sonry. The  States  General  of  the  United  Provinces,  the 
magistrates  of  Berne,  and  the  ministers  of  the  Associated 
Synod  of  Scotland,  did  not  disdain  to  unite  in  the  unholy 
crusade.  These  violent  proceedings  produced  a  masterly 
pamphlet  from  an  English  Mason,  called,  "  An  Apology 
for  the  Free  and  Accepted  Masons,"  which  attained,  as 
it  well  deserved,  such  an  extensive  circulation,  both  in 
England  and  on  the  continent,  as  alarmed  the  Holy  See, 
and  produced  a  papal  decree,  by  which  it  was  censured, 
condemned,  prohibited,  and  ordered  to  be  burnt  publicly 
by  the  minister  of  justice  in  the  street  of  St.  Mary  supra 
Minervam.  This  decree,  as  might  have  been  expected, 
increased  the  popularity  of  the  pamphlet;  and  it  was 
subsequently  reprinted  in  various  forms,  and  transcribed 
into  almost  every  work  of  any  note  on  the  subject  of 
Freemasonry  during  the  remainder  of  the  century. 

It  will  be  unnecessary  to  enumerate  all  the  masonic 
publications  which  distinguished  the  eighteenth  century, 
because  many  of  them  were  mere  transcripts  of  Ander- 
son, Calcott,  and  Hutchinson  ;  and  the  ensuing  pages 
will  contain  most  of  the  original  works  of  merit  that 
were  printed  during  that  period.25  Suffice  it  to  say,  that 
the  literary  labours  of  our  Brethren  who  lived  in  the  early 
times,  when  Freemasonry  had  been  regenerated  and 
placed  on  a  new  and  more  diffusive  basis,  are  equal  to 

85  The  original  writers  on  genuine  Masonry  in  this  age  were  in  reality 
very  few,  although  the  publications,  professing  to  treat  on  the  subject,  ap- 
pear to  be  numerous,  particularly  on  the  continent.  The  three  authors 
above-named  possess  the  merit  of  originality  ;  Smith  was  a  copyist  to  a 
certain  extent,  and  hence  some  parts  of  his  book  are  useless.  Dunckerley, 
and  a  few  others,  have  left  behind  them  some  lectures  of  great  value, 
inasmuch  as  they  show  the  true  character  of  Freemasonry  at  the  revival. 
Martin  Clare's  lodge-lectures  are  lost — at  least  they  have  escaped  my  re- 
searches, and  I  have  never  had  the  good  fortune  to  meet  with  them. 
Almost  all  the  other  masonic  works  of  that  period  were  mere  transcripts 
of  one  or  other  of  the  above. 


INTRODUCTION.  263 

the  best  compositions  of  the  age  ;  and  some  of  them  are 
not  inferior  to  the  Spectators  and  Tatlers  which  have 
borne  successfully  the  scrutinizing  test  of  criticism  for 
upwaTds  of  a  century,  and  promise  to  be  standard  works 
so  long  as  our  national  taste  for  purity  of  style  and  ele- 
gance of  diction  shall  remain  uncorrupted. 


LECTURE    I. 

ON  THE  RISE  AND  PROGRESS  OF  FREEMASONRY. NO  DATE. 

Hail,  mystic  science,  seraph  maid  ! 

Imperial  beam  of  light ! 
In  robes  of  sacred  Truth  array'd, 

Morality's  delight. 
0  give  me  Wisdom  to  design, 

And  Strength  to  execute ; 
In  native  Beauty  e'er  be  mine, 

Benevolence  thy  fruit  DR.  PERFECT. 

IN  the  history  of  mankind  there  is  nothing  more  re- 
markable than  that  Masonry  and  civilization,  like  twin 
sisters,  have  gone  hand  in  hand  together.  The  orders 
of  architecture1  mark  their  growth  and  progress ;  dark, 
dreary,  and  comfortless  were  those  times  when  Masonry 
had  not  laid  her  line,  nor  extended  her  compass.2  The 
race  of  man  in  full  possession  of  wild  and  savage  liberty 
sullen  and  solitary,  mutually  offending  and  afraid  of  each 

1  A  free  and  easy  proportion,  united  with  simplicity,  seem  to  constitute 
the  elegance  of  form  in  building.  A  subordination  "of  parts  to  one  evi- 
dent design  forms  simplicity  ;  when  the  members  thus  related  are  great, 
the  union  is  always  very  great.  Jn  the  proportion  of  a  noble  edifice, 
yon  see  the  image  of  a  creating  mind  result  from  the  whole,  the  evident 
uniformity  of  the  rotunda,  and  its  unparalleled  simplicity,  are  probably 
the  sources  of  its  superior  beauty.  When  we  look  up  to  a  vaulted  roof, 
that  seems  to  rest  upon  our  horizon,  we  are  astonished  at  the  magnifi- 
cence more  than  at  the  visible  extent. 

8  Our  Brethren  of  the  last  century  entertained  an  unvarying  opinion 
that  Masonry  was  coeval  with  the  creation  of  the  world.  And  they  not 
only  applied  it  to  operative  architecture,  but  also  to  the  moral  principles 
included  in  the  six  precepts  of  Adam,  and  the  seven  injunctions  laid  on 
the  Noachidae.  which  they  considered  to  be  the  basis  of  what  we  call 
speculative  Masonry.  Indeed,  these  precepts  constituted  the  foundation 
of  natural  religion,  and  were  recognized  by  the  very  first  synod  of  Chris- 
tianity, which  enjoined  on  all  the  disciples  of  Christ,  that  they  should 
"  abstain  from  meats  offered  to  idols,  and  from  blood,  and  from  things 
strangled,  aud  from  fornication."  (Acts  xv.  29.) 


RISE    AND    PROGRESS    OF    FREEMASONRY.  260 

other ;  hid  themselves  in  thickets  of  the  woods,  or  dens, 
and  caves  of  the  earth.  In  these  murky  recesses,  these 
sombrous  solitudes,  the  Almighty  Architect  directed  Ma- 
sonry to  find  them  out  ;3  and  pitying  their  forlorn  and 
destitute  condition,  instructed  them  to  build  houses,  for 
convenience,  defence,  and  comfort.4  The  habitations 
they  then  built  were  of  the  Rustic,  or  Tuscan  order, 
which,  as  a  prototype  of  their  manners,  was  an  artless 

•  3  In  a  work  called  "  Multa  Faucis  for  Lovers  of  Secrets,"  published  in 
1763,  the  rise  and  progress  of  Masonry  are  thus  described  : — "  The  ori- 
gin of  Masonry  is  indisputably  traced  from  the  creation  of  the  universe ; 
for  after  the  Almighty  Architect  had  finished  his  grand  design  in  making 
all  things  good,  and.  according  to  geometry,  Adam,  the  first  of  all  the 
human  race,  did  soon  discover  this  noble  science,  by  surveying  the  works 
ot  God  in  his  state  of  innocency ;  and  although  he  fell  through  disobe- 
dience, and  was  expelled  from  that  lovely  arbour  into  a  wide  world,  he 
still  retained  the  knowledge  thereof,  and  communicated  the  same  to  his 
offspring.  For  Cain,  his  first-born,  after  he  had  committed  the  murder 
of  his  brother  Abel,  for  which  God  drove  him  into  the  land  of  Nod,  he 
showed  his  early  skill  in  Masonry  by  building  a  strong  city,  and  called 
the  same  after  the  name  of  his  first  son,  Enoch.  The  offspring  of  his  de- 
scendant, Lamech,  are  very  remarkable,  viz.,  Jabal  was  the  inventor  of 
huts  and  tents  ;  Jubal  was  the  inventor  of  music  ;  Tubal  Cain  was  the 
inventor  of  metals.  The  offspring  of  these  ingenious  craftsmen  are  traced 
by  historians  for  many  centuries  after,  but  as  it  cannot  be  warranted  from 
scripture  this  may  suffice.  Seth,  the  patriarch  of  the  other  part  of  man- 
kind, with  his  offspring,  Euos,  Cainan,  Mahalaleel,  Jared,  and  Enoch,  were 
the  better  instructed  in  geometry  by  Adam's  living  among  them,  until 
the  year  of  the  world  930." 

4  The  natural  progress  of  the  works  of  men  is  from  rudeness  to  con- 
venience, from  convenience  to  elegance,  and  from  elegance  to  nicety.  The 
first  labour  is  enforced  by  necessity.  The  savage  finds  himself  incom- 
moded by  heat  and  cold,  by  rain  and  wind  ;  he  shelters  himself  in  the  hollow 
of  a  rock,  and  learns  to  dig  a  cave  where  there  was  none  before.  He 
finds  the  sun  and  the  wind  excluded  by  the  thicket,  and  when  the  acci- 
dents of  the  chase,  or  the  convenience  of  pasturage,  lead  him  into  more 
open  places,  he  forms  a  thicket  for  himself,  by  planting  stakes  at  proper 
distances,  and  laying  branches  from  one  to  another.  The  next  gradation 
of  skill  and  industry  produces  a  house,  closed  with  doors,  and  divided  by 
partitions  ;  and  apartments  are  multiplied  and  disposed  according  to  the 
various  degrees  of  power  or  invention  ;  improvement  succeeds  improve- 
ment, as  he  that  is  freed  from  a  greater  evil  grows  impatient  of  a  less, 
till  ease,  in  time,  is  advanced  to  pleasure.  The  mind,  set  free  from  the 
importunities  of  natural  want,  gains  leisure  to  go  in  search  of  superfluous 
gratifications,  and  adds  to  the  rise  of  habitation  the  delights  of  prospect. 
Then  begins  the  reign  of  symmetry ;  orders  of  architecture  are  invented, 
and  one  part  of  the  edifice  is  conformed  to  another,  without  any  other 
reason  than  that  the  eye  may  not  be  offended.  The  passage  is  very  short 
from  elegance  to  luxury.  Ionic  and  Corinthian  columns  are  soon  suc- 
ceeded Vj  gi'ii  cornices,  inlaid  floors,  and  petty  ornaments,  which  show 
rather  the  wealth  than  the  taste  of  the  possessor. 


266  ON    THE    RISE    AND    PROGRESS 

imitation  of  coarse  and  simple  nature.  Yet  rude  and  in- 
elegant as  they  were,  they  had  this  happy  effect :  that 
by  aggregating  mankind,  they  prepared  the  way  for  im- 
provement.5 The  hardest  bodies  will  polish  by  collision, 
and  the  roughest  manners  by  communion  and  intercourse. 
Thus  by  degrees  they  lost  their  asperity  and  ruggedness, 
and  became  insensibly  mild  and  gentle.  Masonry  beheld 
and  gloried  in  the  change;  and,  as  their  minds  softened 
and  expanded,  she  showed  them  new  lights,  and  con- 
ducted them  to  new  improvements.6 

6  It  may  be  observed  here  that  some  of  our  Brethren  consider  ancient 
Masonry  to  have  been  exclusively  an  operative  institution ;  some  believe 
it  was  speculative  ;  while  others  understand  it  as  a  judicious  admixture 
of  both.  Anderson  treats  it  throughout  his  elaborate  history  as  an 
operative  fraternity.  Laurie  observes,  speaking  of  the  Egyptian  archi- 
tecture :  •'  In  Egypt,  and  those  countries  of  Asia  which  lie  contiguous  to 
the  favoured  kingdom,  the  arts  and  sciences  were  cultivated  with  success, 
while  other  nations  were  involved  in  ignorance.  It  is  here,  then-tori', 
that  Freemasonry  would  flourish  ;  and  here  only  can  we  discover  marks 
of  its  existence  in  the  remotest  ages."  Faber  says  in  his  work  on 
Idolatry  :  "  All  the  most  remarkable  ancient  buildings  in  Greece,  Egypt, 
and  Asia  Minor,  were  ascribed  to  the  Cabirean  or  Cyclopean  Masons ; 
and  in  the  present  day  the  Freemasons,  with  all  their  formalities,  are 
wont  to  assist  at  the  commencement  of  every  public  edifice.  Finally, 
their  affectation  of  mysterious  concealment  closely  resembles  the  system 
of  the  Epoptae  in  all  ages  and  countries,  particularly  that  of  the  bards, 
when  their  religion  no  longer  reigned  paramount.  These  last  are  proba- 
bly the  real  founders  of  English  Freemasonry."  A  Scottish  Max  .a 
writes  to  me  in  these  words  :  li  Originally  the  study  of  Freemasonry  was 
confined  to  operative  masons,  and  was  a  secret  means  of  conferring  the 
freedom  of  that  craft.  All  other  crafts  had  something  similar ;  but  whe- 
ther Masonry  was  the  oldest,  or  had  the  best  system,  all  the  others  are 
nearly  obliterated.  It  is  of  little  consequence  when  this  system  of  giving 
the  freedom  was  got  up,  whether  in  the  middle  ages,  or  whether  it  was 
formed  on  one  more  ancient ;  but  there  is  no  occasion  for  any  more  than 
three  degrees,  and  I  doubt  if  any  other  be  ancient."  Bro.  Stephen  Jones 
insists  that  the  institution  is  speculative.  "  The  solemnity  of  our  rites." 
he  observes,  "  which,  embracing  the  whole  system  of  morality,  cannot 
fail  to  include  the  first  principles  of  religion,  from  which  morality  is  best 
derived,  necessarily  calls  our  attention  to  the  Great  Architect  of  the  Uni- 
verse, the  Creator  of  us  all.  The  masonic  system  exhibits  a  stupendous 
and  beautiful  fabric,  founded  on  universal  piety.  To  rule  and  direct  our 
passions;  to  have  faith  and  hope  in  God,  and  charity  towards  man,  I 
consider  as  the  objects  of  what  is  termed  Speculative  Masonry."  While 
Preston  considers  Freemasonry  as  a  science  arising  out  of  the  union  of 
both.  See  the  Illustrations  of  Masonry,  Book  i.  s.  4.  Under  these  cir- 
cumstances, every  Brother  must  be  left  to  his  own  judgment. 

6  Here  we  have  primitive  Masonry  identified  with  operative  architec- 
ture ;  and  there  can  be  no  doubt  but  they  were  considered  to  advance 
band  in  hand  towards  perfection. 


OP    FREEMASONRY.  267 

The  Tuscan  mansions  please  no  more,  in  the  Doric 
order  they  aimed  at  something  more  high  and  noble;  and 
taking  their  idea  of  symmetry  from  the  human  form  di- 
vine, adopted  that  as  their  model.  At  that  era  their 
buildings,  though  simple  and  natural,  were  proportioned 
in  the  exactest  manner,  and  admirably  calculated  for 
strength  and  convenience.7 

It  can  be  no  matter  of  astonishment,  that  men  who 
had  formed  their  original  plan  from  nature,  should  resort 
to  nature  for  their  lessons  of  ornament  and  proportion, 
to  complete  their  labors.  The  eye  that  was  charmed 
with  the  fair  sex,  the  heart  that  was  conscious  of  wo- 
man's elegance  and  beauty,  would  instantly  catch  the 
idea  from  thence,  and  transpose  the  lovely  form  in  per- 
fect symmetry,  to  complete  the  column  he  was  then 
studying.  Accordingly,  the  Ionic  order  was  formed  after 
the  model  of  a  beautiful  young  woman,  with  loose  di- 
shevelled hair,  of  an  easy,  elegant,  flowing  shape.8 

Thus  human  genius,  which  we  have  seen  in  the  bud, 
the  leaf,  the  flower,  ripened  to  perfection,  and  produced 
the  fairest,  richest  fruit ;  every  ingenious  art,  every  libe- 
ral science,  every  moral  and  social  virtue,  that  could 
delight,  exalt,  refine,  adorn,  edify,  or  improve  mankind.9 

7  The  first  recognized  style  of  building  has  been  distinguished  by  the 
name  of  Cyclopaean,  and  its  general  character  was — immense  blocks  with- 
out cement,  which  were  put  together  with  such  exactness  as  to  seem  an 
entire  mass.     Schneider,  editor  of  Vitruvius,  says,  that  the  style  which 
was  called  Inserturn  meant  large  stones,  with  smaller  ones  inserted  be- 
tween them.     This  was  the  most  ancient  manner  of  building,  and  was 
sometimes  called  Antiquum. 

8  The  lonians,  says  Vitruvius,  tried  to  invest  their  edifices  with  the 
greatest  delicacy  and  elegance.     Instead  of  taking  for  a  model  the  body 
of  a  man,  as  had  been  done  in  the  composition  of  the  Doric  order,  they 
were  regulated  by  that  of  a  woman.     With  a  view  of  making  their 
columns  more  pleasing,  they  made  the  height  eight  times  the  diameter. 
They  also  made  flutings  to  imitate  the  folds  of  the  female  dress,  and  the 
volutes  represented  the  curls  which  hung  on  each  side  of  the  face.     This 
order  of  architecture  was  hence  called  the  Ionic. 

9  If  the  God  of  Israel  inspired  Bezaleel  and  Aholiab  with  wisdom  and 
knowledge  in  all  manner  of  workmanship,  the  God  of  nature  has  not  been 
wanting  in  his  instructions  to  the  fowls  of  the  air.     The  skill  with  which 
they  erect  their  houses,  and  adjust  their  apartments,  is  inimitable.     The 
caution  with  which  they  hide  their  abodes  from  the  searching  eye,  or  in- 
truding hand,  is  admirable.     No  general,  though  fruitful  in  expedients, 
could  build  so  commodious  a  lodgement.    Give  the  most  celebrated  artificer 
the  same  materials,  which  these  weak  and  inexperienced  creatures  use ; — let 
a  Jones,  or  a  Wren,  or  a  Demoivre,  have  only  some  rude  stones  or  uncouth 


268  ON    THE    RISE    AND    PROGRESS 

Now  it  was  that  Masonry  put  on  her  richest  robes,  her 
most  gorgeous  apparel,  and  in  the  Corinthian  order  dis- 
played a  profusion  of  ornaments,  the  principal  parts  of 
which  were  eminently  conspicuous  in  Israel's  holy  tem- 
ple. She  displayed  the  torch  and  enlightened  the  whole 
circle  of  arts  and  sciences.  Commerce  flew  to  her  on 
canvas  wings,  fraught  with  the  treasures  and  produce  of 
the  universe.  Painting  and  sculpture  exerted  every 
nerve  to  decorate  the  building  she  had  raised,  and  the 
curious  hand  of  design  contrived  the  furniture  and  tapes- 
try— Geometry,  Music,  Astronomy — Virtue,  Honour, 
Mercy,  with  an  infinite  variety  of  masonic  emblems  were 
wrought  thereon ;  but  none  shone  more  conspicuous 

than  MORALITY,  CHARITY,  and  BROTHERLY-LOVE.10 

sticks,  a  few  bits  of  dirt  or  scraps  of  hair,  a  lock  of  wool,  or  a  coarse 
sprig  of  moss  ;  and  what  work  would  they  produce  ?  We  extol  the  com- 
mander who  knows  how  to  take  advantage  of  the  ground  ;  who,  by  every 
circumstance,  embarrasses  the  forces  of  his  enemy,  and  advances  the  suc- 
cess of  his  own.  Does  not  this  praise  belong  to  the  feathered  leaders  ? 
who  fix  their  pensile  camp  on  the  dangerous  branches  that  wave  aloft  in 
the  air,  or  dance  over  the  stream  ?  By  this  means  the  vernal  gales  rock 
their  cradle,  and  the  murmuring  waters  lull  the  young,  while  both  concur 
to  terrify  their  enemies,  and  keep  them  at  a  distance.  Some  hide  their 
little  household  from  view,  amidst  the  shelter  of  entangled  furze.  Others 
remove  it  from  discovery  in  the  centre  of  a  thorny  thicket.  And  by  one 
stratagem  or  another  they  are  generally  as  secure  as  if  they  intrenched 
themselves  in  the  earth. 

10  But  the  permanent  triumphs  of  Freemasonry  were  reserved  for  the 
Christian  architect.  Every  one  who  has  an  eye  to  see  and  a  soul  to  feel, 
must,  on  entering  the  cathedrals  of  York,  Lincoln,  or  Winchester,  or  in 
contemplating  the  majestic  front  of  Peterborough,  experience  impressions 
of  mingled  solemnity  and  delight,  such  as  none  but  similar  edifices  are 
capable  of  producing.  If  he  should  enquire  when  were  these  extraordi- 
nary specimens  of  architectural  skill,  rivalling  in  their  execution  and  sur- 
passing in  sublimity  the  proudest  structures  of  Athens  and  Rome,  erected, 
what  would  be  his  astonishment,  had  he  not  previously  ascertained  the 
fact,  on  being  told  in  reply,  that  they  were  built  during  the  dark  ages, 
when  but  few  even  of  the  clergy  could  read,  and  scarcely  any  of  them 
could  write  their  own  names  ;  when  nobles  lay  upon  straw,  and  thought 
a  fresh  supply  of  clean  straw  in  their  chamber,  once  a  week,  a  great 
luxury ;  when  monarchs  usually  travelled  on  horseback,  and  when  they 
met,  wrestled  with  each  other  for  the  amusement  of  their  courtiers  ;  then 
it  was  that  those  Freemasons,  whose  names  have  not  reached  us,  and 
whose  manners  and  course  of  instruction  are  merely  conjectured,  raised 
buildings  almost  to  the  clouds,  with  stones,  most  of  which  they  might 
have  carried  under  their  arms.  Rude  men,  untaught  by  science,  applied 
the  principles  of  arcuation,  of  thrust,  and  of  pressure,  to  an  extent  that 
would  have  made  Wren  and  Jones  tremble.  Men  ignorant  of  metaphy- 
sical theories,  so  blended  forms  and  magnitudes,  light  and  shade,  as  to 


OF    FREEMASONRY.  269 

Were  I  to  take  a  general  survey  of  the  Order  of  Free- 
masonry, a  field  of  unbounded  space  would  open  to  the 
view,  replete  with  more  beauties  than  the  most  fanci- 
ful pencil  can  delineate,  or  poet  describe,  assisted  by  all 
the  flowers  of  metaphor.  But  time  will  not  permit  me 
to  investigate  the  ground  plan  of  the  fabric.  I  shall, 
therefore,  take  an  allegorical  view  of  the  building  and 
mode  of  introduction. 

Virtue  crowned  with  a  wreath  of  laurel,  dressed  in  a 
robe  of  the  palest  sapphire,  girt  round  her  waist  by  an 
azure  zone,  on  which  peculiar  emblems  were  richly  em- 
broidered in  blue,  purple,  and  crimson,  formed  the  mosaic 
work,  or  ground  plan  of  the  building. 

Wisdom,  Justice,  Truth,  Mercy,  and  Benevolence,  as 
pillars  of  "the  purest  marble,  supported  the  portal,  over 
which,  on  a  magnificent  dome  of  a  quadrangular  form, 
the  principles  of  the  establishment  were  delineated  by 
Religion  and  Morality,  together  with  certain  hierogly- 
phics descriptive  of  the  Order.11 

The  entrance  was  guarded  by  two  sentinels,  who  had 
something  in  their  looks  so  awful,  that  strangers  recoiled 
at  the  sight  of  them.  Their  names  were  Temperance, 
and  Fortitude,  the  former  held  a  bridle,  the  latter  a 
spear.  Notwithstanding  their  aspect  was  so  forbidding, 

produce  the  artificial  infinite  and  the  real  sublime.  Men,  who  lived  in 
the  grossest  superstition,  erected  temples  for  the  worship  of  God,  which 
seem  as  if  intended  to  rival  in  durability  the  earth  on  which  they  stand  ; 
and  which,  after  the  lapse  of  several  ages,  are  still  unequalled,  not  only 
in  point  of  magnificence  of  structure,  but  in  their  tendency  to  dilate  the 
mind,  and  to  leave  upon  the  soul  the  most  deep  and  solemn  impressions. 
(See  the  Eclectic  Review.) 

11  Like  the  tabernacle  of  Moses  and  the  temple  of  Solomon,  the  ancient 
oratories  of  the  gods  abounded  with  hieroglyphics,  which  were  descriptive 
of  the  system  of  religion  used  by  the  nations  where  such  buildings  were 
erected.  The  prophet  Ezekiel  has  described  them  as  containing  "  every 
form  of  creeping  things  and  abominable  beasts,  and  all  the  idols  of 
the  house  of  Israel,  pourtrayed  upon  the  wall  round  about."  (Ezek. 
viii.  10.)  This  is  a  true  picture  of  the  inner  chambers  and  sanctuaries 
of  the  Egyptian  temples,  the  tombs,  and  mystic  cells,  according  to  the 
descriptions  which  modern  travellers  have  supplied.  The  walls  are  cover- 
ed with  representations,  sculptured,  or  painted  in  vivid  colours,  of  sacred 
animals,  and  of  gods  represented  in  the  human  form  and  under  various 
circumstances,  or  in  various  combinations  of  the  animal  and  human  forms. 
These  things  now  appear  more  conspicuously  in  the  tombs  than  in  the 
temples,  perhaps  because  the  decorations  of  the  latter  have  suffered  more 
from  the  hand  of  man. 


270  ON    THE    RISE    AND    PROGRESS 

yet  when  a  candidate  approached,  conducted  by  Honour 
and  Perseverance,  their  countenance  was  softened  by  allii- 
bility  to  serene  courtesy. 

Having  passed  the  sentinels  and  entered  the  build iii<_r, 
Honour  and  Perseverance  presented  him  to  Brotherly- 
love,  who,  after  discharging  the  duties  of  his  office,  led 
him  to  a  beautiful  transparent  arch,  descriptive  of  the 
six  days'  work  of  the  creation  ;  on  the  right  side  of  the 
arch  stood  Charity,  her  eyes  were  blue,  beautiful,  and 
piercing ;  in  one  hand  she  held  a  chalice  of  wrought 
gold,  in  the  other  a  censer  of  incense.  One  the  left 
stood  Contemplation  ;  her  looks  were  directed  towards 
heaven ;  a  large  folio  book  lay  open  in  the  centre,12  on 
the  back  of  which  was  written  in  letters  of  gold,  THE 
HOLY  BIBLE.  Here  Brotherly-love  delivered  him  to  the 
care  of  Faith,  Humility,  and  Hope.  The  former  had  her 
head  invested  with  a  circle  of  rays,  which  threw  a  bright 
lustre  on  all  around  her  ;  she  bore  a  shield  of  divine 
workmanship,  and  went  foremost.  Humility,  clothed  in 
a  vesture  of  a  dark  sober  hue,  which  trailed  the  ground, 
walked  slowly  by  her  side.  Hope  had  in  her  hand  an 
opening  bud,  fresh  and  fragrant  as  the  morning  rose:  by 
those  he  was  conducted  to  an  elderly  personage,  who 
still  appeared  fresh  and  vigorous,  she  had  a  meek  and 
contented  aspect,  having  a  staff  in  her  hand,  on  which  she 
sometimes  leaned.  Her  name  was  Prudence,  from  whom 
he  received  peculiar  instructions  respecting  the  institution. 

Leaving  her,  they  ascended,  by  easy  ^steps,  towards 
the  GRAND  HALL  ;  near  the  entrance,  on  an  elevated 
throne,  sat  a  comely  matron  in  her  bloom,  well  dressed, 
but  without  art,  and  crowned  after  a  very  beautiful 
manner :  her  name  was  Happiness,  to  whom  he  was  pre- 
sented by  Hope.  She  received  him  most  cheerfully,  and 
introduced  him  to  the  liberal  arts  and  sciences,  by  whom 
he  was  led  into  the  hall,  and  after  being  regularly  initia- 
ted, he  was  invested  by  Innocence  with  the  ensign  of  the 
Order. 

12  None  but  Masters'  lodges  are  opened  on  the  centre.  Apprentice  and 
craft  lodges  are  of  a  mixed  composition,  including  Brethren  who  have 
taken  part  or  all  of  the  degrees.  They  do  not,  therefore,  present  to  the 
view  a  masonic  equality.  The  Masters,  however,  are  all  equal— they 
meet  on  the  level,  and  part  on  the  square ;  and  maintain  the  same  relation 
towards  each  other  as  the  centre  does  to  the  circumference  of  a  circle. 


OF    FREEMASONRY.  271 

Sacred  and  profane  history  concur  with  respect  to  this 
institution,  and  allow  it  to  be  coeval  with  human  society. 
In  all  ages,  and  in  all  countries,  we  find  men  of  the  most 
exalted  situations  in  life,  as  well  as  those  of  the  most 
enlightened  characters,  have  been  anxious  to  be  invested 
with  the  badge  of  innocence,  and  to  have  their  names 
enrolled  as  Brethren  of  ihe  Order.  Always  considering 
the  society  of  FREEMASONS  as  the  safeguard  of  the  state, 
the  defence  of  the  country,  the  welfare  of  the  nation.13 

Having  slightly  touched  on  the  origin  of  the  institu- 
tion, and  mode  of  introduction,  the  principles  may  be 
conveyed  to  you  in  a  few  words,  BROTHERLY-LOVE,  RE- 
LIEF, and  TRUTH.  Were  I  to  take  a  retrospective  view 
of  those  principles,  it  would  only  be  recapitulating  a 
subject  with  which  you  are  well  acquainted.14  Allow 
me,  however,  to  call  your  attention  to  the  excellence  and 
utility  of  FREEMASONRY  from  that  all-informing  science, 
on  which  it  is  founded — GEOMETRY,  and  bring  to  your 
recollection  a  figure  which  is  generally  delineated  on  the 
master's  tracing  board,  namely,  the  47th  proposition  of 
the  first  book  of  Euclid,  proving  that  the  square  sub- 
tending a  right  angle  is  equal  to  the  squares  on  the  sides 
that  form  the  right  angle  ;15  from  the  construction  of  the 
figure  it  is  evident,  that  the  triangles  within  the  squares 
are  reciprocally  equal,  and  also,  that  the  squares  on  the 
sides  forming  the  right  angle  are  equal  to  the  square 
subtending  the  right  angle.  Pythagoras,  the  inventor  of 
this  proposition,  which  is  the  foundation  of  geometry, 
in  grateful  testimony  for  the  happy  discovery,  is  said  to 
have  sacrificed  an  hecatomb  to  the  Muses. 

13  Such  has  been  the  masonic  character  in  all  ages,  where  bigotry  has 
not  intervened  to  sully  its  brightness  ;  and  invested  with  this  high  recom- 
mendation, it  has  been  honoured  with  the  patronage  of  princes  and  nobles, 
who  have  considered  the  fraternity  as  a  certain  protection  to  the  throne, 
whenever  it  might  be  assailed  by  disloyalty  and  sedition. 

14  In  fact,  the  principles  of  Masonry  are  like  to  a  well-drawn  circle, 
unbounded  in  their  extent  and  universal  in  their  application. 

15  Vitruvius  ascribes  this  theorem  to  Pythagoras.     (Vitruv.  Archit. 
ix.  1.)     By  the  use  of  it  he  taught  his  disciples  how  to  make  a  gnomon 
or  square* thus:  take  three  rods,  one  of  them  three  feet  long,  another 
four,  and  a  third  five  ;  with  these  form  a  triangle  ;  and  if  to  each  of  these 
rods  be  adscribed  a  square,  that  which  is  three  feet  in  length  will  make 
an  area  of  nine  ;  that  of  four  feet  will  make  sixteen  ;  that  of  five  will  make 
twenty-five.     Hence  it  will  appear  that  the  areas  of  the  two  former  are 
•oactly  equal  to  that  of  the  latter. 


272  ON    THE    RISE    AXD    PKOGRESS 

But  Freemasons  consider  geometry  as  a  natural  logic;10 
for  as  truth  is  ever  consistent,  invariable,  and  uniform, 
all  truths  may  and  ought  to  be  investigated  in  tin-  same 
manner.  Moral  and  religious  definitions,  axioms,  and 
proportions,  have  as  regular  and  certain  a  dependence 
upon  each  other  as  any  in  physics  or  the  mathemaiirs. 

As  the  figure  above-mentioned  depends  on  the  connec- 
tion of  the  several  lines,  angles,  and  triangles  which 
form  the  whole;  so  FREEMASONRY  depends  on  the  una- 
nimity and  integrity  of  its  members,  the  inflexibility  of 
their  charitable  pursuits,  and  the  immutability  of  the 
principles  upon  which  the  society  is  established.  The 
position  is  clear,  and,  therefore,  in  a  synthetical  sense  we 
demonstrate,  that  some  of  our  Brethren,  from  their  exalt- 
ed situation  in  life,  rolling  in  their  chariots  at  east1,  and 
enjoying  every  luxury,  pleasure,  and  comfort,  may  witli 
strict  propriety  be  considered  as  standing  on  the  basis  of 
earthly  bliss,  emblematic  of  the  greater  square,  which 
subtends  the  right  angle.17  Others  whom  Providence 
hath  blessed  with  means  to  tread  on  the  flowery  meads 
of  affluence ;  are  descriptive  of  the  squares  which  stand 
on  the  sides  which  form  the  right  angle.  The  several 
triangles  inscribed  within  the  squares,  are  applicable  to 
those  happy  beings,  who  enjoy  every  social  comfort,  and 
never  exceed  the  bounds  of  mediocrity.  Those,  who  by 
application  to  peculiar  arts,  manufactures,  and  com- 
merce, from  their  several  productions  not  only  add  to 
the  wealth  of  the  nation,  and  to  the  happiness  of  the 
exalted,  but  have  the  heartfelt  satisfaction  of  administer- 

16  larablichus  informs  us  that  the  Egyptians  acquired  a  knowledge  of 
geometrical  problems  from  their  custom  of  annually  measuring  their  whole 
country  in  consequence  of  the  landmarks  being  obliterated  by  the  over- 
flowing of  the  Nile.    (Iambi,  c.  xxix.  p.  144.)     But  some  ascribe  geo- 
metry to  the  joint  investigations  of  the  Egyptians  and  Chaldeans,  which 
were  augmented  by  the  learning  and  application  of  Pythagoras  ;  for  Pro- 
cms  (in  Eucl.  1.  ii.)  affirms  that  he  was  the  first  who  elevated  geometry 
into  a  liberal  science,  by  considering  the  principles  more  sublimely  than 
Thales  and  others — his  predecessors  in  this  study.     And  Tinaeus  adds  that 
he  first  brought  geometry  to  perfection. 

17  We  are  told  by  Apoilodorus  that  Pythagoras  sacrified  a  hecatomb  to 
the  muses  in  gratitude  for  the  invention  of  this  problem ;  but  Plutarch 
says  it  was  only  a  single  ox ;  and  even  this  is  questioned  by  Cicero,  be- 
cause it  was  inconsistent  with  his  doctrines,  which  forbad  the  shedding 
of  blood.     Porphyrus  says  that  he  only  sacrificed  an  ox  kneaded  from 
flour  ;  while  Gregory  Nazianz  thinks  the  ox  was  made  of  clay. 


OF    FREE  MA  SONRY. 


273 


ing  to  the  wants  of  the  indigent  and  industrious,  may, 
with  strict  justice,  be  compared  to  the  angles  which 
surround  and  support  the  figure,  whilst  the  lines  which 
form  it,  remind  us  of  those  unfortunate  Brethren,  who, 
by  a  series  of  inevitable  events,  are  incapable  of  provid- 
ing the  common  necessaries  of  life,  until  aided  by  our 
cheerful  and  ever-ready  assistance.18 

Hence  from  the  corollary  we  draw  an  axiom  in  Mason- 
ry; for  by  connecting  th<i  se\erai  Lnes  together,  and 
bringing  the  unfortunate  and  industrious  into  compact 
with  the  affluent  and  exalted,  we  form  a  figure  descrip- 
tive of  the  true  basis  on  which  our  ancient  Brethren 
raised  the  superstructure  of  FREEMASONRY.  A  basis 
which  no  mortal  power  can  shake  ;  THE  BOSOM  OF  ALL 
GENTLE  CHARITY  ;  that  heaven-born  virtue,  is  the  attri- 
bute divine  of  GOD  OMNIPOTENT  ;  a  sublime  emotion, 
that  fully  demonstrates  the  existence  of  our  spiritual 
being,  and  animates  us  to  the  glorious  certainty  of  im- 
mortality. 

18  The  use  of  the  47th  proposition  of  Euclid  is  as  ancient  in  Masonry 
as  the  Vesica  Piscis,  the  application  of  which  was  kept  a  profound  secret 
by  the  Masons  in  all  ages.  We  find  this  expressive  symbol  immediately 
after  the  revival  in  1717,  used  as  a  Mason's  signature  or  mark,  although 
it  was  not  adopted  as  the  cognizance  of  a  Past  Master  until  after  the 
Union  in  1813. 


LECTURE   II. 

A  DEFENCE  OF  MASONRY,  OCCASIONED  BY  A  PAMPHLET 
CALLED  MASONRY  DISSECTED.  BY  DR.  ANDERSON.  A.  D. 
1730. 

" manibus  date  lilia  plenis  ; 

Purpureos  spurgam  florca.  animamque  nepotis 
His  saltum  aecumulem  dorns,  et  f'ungar  inani 
Munere." 

VIRGIL. 

AMONG  the  extraordinary  discoveries  of  the  present 
age,  nothing  has  been  received  with  more  delight  and 
exultation  than  a  few  sheets  written,  it  seems,  without 
partiality,  called  Masonry  Dissected.  The  grand  secret, 
which  has  long  withstood  the  batteries  of  temptation  ; 
that  neither  money,  the  master  key  of  the  heart ;  nor 
good  liquor,  that  unlocks  the  very  soul ;  nor  hunger, 
that  breaks  through  stone  walls  ;  nor  thirst,  a  sore  evil 
to  a  working  Mason,  could  bring  to  light ;  has  at  last 
been  disgorged  upon  oath,  to  the  great  easement  of  a 
tender  stomach,  t^e  eternal  scandal  of  the  fraternity,  and 
the  good  of  the  public,  never  to  be  forgotten.  The  de- 
sign was  no  less  than  to  disburden  a  loaded  conscience, 
to  acquaint  the  world  that  "  never  did  so  ridiculous  an 
imposition  appear  amongst  mankind  ;  and  to  prevent  so 
many  innocent  persons  being  drawn  into  so  pernicious  a 
society."  What  could  induce  the  dissector  to  take  that 
oath,  or  the  magistrate  to  admit  it.  shall  not  at  this  time 
be  decided.  However,  I  must  give  the  world  joy  of  so 
notable  a  discovery,  so  honourable,  so  circumstantiated ! 
A  mighty  expectation  was  raised,  and,  without  doubt, 
is  wonderfully  gratified  by  this  course  of  anatomy.  "It 
must  be  this,"  the  public  will  doubtless  say,  "  it  can  be 
nothing  else.  It  is  as  we  always  supposed,  a  whimsical 
cheat,  supporter]  by  great  names  to  seduce  fools,  who, 


DR.  ANDERSON'S  DEFENCE  OF  MASONRY.         275 

once  gulled  out  of  their  money,  keep  the  fraud  secret  to 
draw  in  others." 

I  confess,  I  cannot  come  into  this  method  of  arguing, 
nor  is  it,  in  my  opinion,  a  fair  way  of  treating  a  society, 
to  run  implicitly  with  the  cry,  without  examining 
whether  these  reproaches  are  founded  upon  any  thing 
in  the  mystery,  as  now  represented,  either  wicked  or 
ridiculous.  For  that  stupid  imputation  of  drawing  in 
fools  for  the  sake  of  their  money,  can  have  no  weight  in 
the  present  case.  Since  the  fraternity,  as  it  now  stands, 
consists  principally  of  members  of  great  distinction,  much 
superior  to  views  so  sordid  and  ungenerous.  But  for 
once,  let  this  dissection  contain  all  the  secrets  of  Free- 
masonry ;  admit  that  every  word  of  it  is  genuine  and 
literally  true,  yet,  under  all  these  concessions,  under  all 
the  disadvantages  and  prejudices  whatever;  I  cannot  but 
still  believe  there  have  been  impositions  upon  mankind 
more  ridiculous,  and  that  many  have  been  drawn  into  a 
society  more  pernicious. 

I  would  not  be  thought  agitated  on  this  occasion,  as 
if  I  were  any  way  concerned  whether  this  dissection  be 
true  or  false ;  or  whether  the  credit  of  Freemasonry  be 
affected  by  it  or  not.  These  considerations  can  give  me 
no  trouble.  My  design  is  to  address  to  the  sensible  and 
serious  part  of  mankind,  by  making  a  few  impartial  re- 
marks upon  this  dissection,  without  contending  for  the 
reputation  of  Masonry  on  the  one  hand,  or  reflecting  upon 
the  dissector  on  the  other. 

The  formidable  objection  which  has  given  offence  to 
the  better  part  of  men,  is  the  copy  of  the  oath  as  it  lies 
in  the  dissection.  It  has  been  a  matter  of  admiration, 
that  so  many  persons  of  great  piety,  strict  conscience, 
and  unspotted  character,  should  lay  themselves  under  so 
solemn  an  obligation,  under  penalties  so  terrible  and  as- 
tonishing, upon  a  subject  so  trifling  and  insignificant. 
To  obviate  this  objection  I  observe,  that  the  end,  the 
moral,  and  purport  of  Masonry,  as  described  in  the  dis- 
section, is,  "  to  subdue  our  passions ;  not  to  do  our  own 
will ;  to  make  a  daily  progress  in  a  laudable  art ;  to  pro- 
mote morality,  charity,  good  fellowship,  good  nature, 
and  humanity."1  This  appears  to  be  the  substance,  let 

1  Anderson  terms  these  pursuits  "  the  substance  of  Masonry  ;"  and,  in- 
11 


276 

the  form  or  vehicle  be  ever  so  unaccountable.  As  for 
the  terms  relating  to  architecture,  geometry,  and  mathe- 
matics, that  are  dispersed  throughout  the  dissection,  it 
would  be  strange  if  a  society  of  such  a  denomination 
could  subsist  wholly  without  them  ;  though  they  seem, 
to  me  at  least,  to  be  rather  technical  and  formal,  yet 
delivered  perhaps  by  long  tradition,  than  essentially  at- 
tached to  the  grand  design. 

Now,  where  is  the  impiety — where  the  immorality, 
or  folly,2  for  a  number  of  men  to  form  themselves  into  a 
society,  whose  main  end  is  to  improve  in  commendable 
skill  and  knowledge ;  and  to  promote  universal  bene- 
ficence and  the  social  virtues  of  human  life,  under  the 
solemn  obligation  uf  an  oath?  And  this,  in  what  form, 
under  what  secret  restrictions,  and  with  what  innocent 
ceremonies  they  think  proper  ? 

This  liberty  all  incorporate  societies  enjoy  without 
impeachment  or  reflection.  An  apprentice  is  bound  to 
keep  the  secrets  of  his  master ;  a  freeman  is  obliged  to 
consult  the  interest  of  his  company,  and  not  to  prostitute 
in  common  the  mysteries  of  his  trade.  Secret  commit- 
tees and  privy  councils  are  solemnly  enjoined  not  to 
publish  abroad  their  debates  and  resolutions.  There  ap- 
pears to  be  something  like  Masonry,  as  the  dissector 
describes  it,  in  all  regular  societies  of  whatever  denomi- 
nation. They  are  all  held  together  by  a  sort  of  cement, 
by  bonds  and  laws  that  are  peculiar  to  each  of  them, 
from  the  highest  to  the  little  clubs  and  nightly  meetings 
of  a  private  neighbourhood.  There  are  oaths  adminis- 
tered, and  sometimes  solemn  obligations  to  secrecy. 
There  are  a  master  and  two  wardens,  and  a  number  of 
assistants,  to  make  what  the  dissector  may  call,  if  lu>. 
pleases,  a  perfect  lodge  in  the  city  companies.  There  is 
the  degree  of  entered  prentices,  master  of  his  trade,  or 
fellowcraft  and  master,  or  the  master  of  the  company. 
There  are  constitutions  and  orders,  and  a  successive  and 


deed,  they  constitute  invaluable  landmarks  which  never  have  been,  nor 
ever  can  be  altered. 

2  It  is  not  to  be  believed  that  the  dissector  really  saw  either  impiety, 
immorality,  or  folly,  in  the  pursuits  of  the  fraternity  at  their  private 
meetings.  His  object  appears  to  have  been  the  public  sale  of  his  princi- 
ples ;  and  it  was  doubtless  remunerative. 


DEFENCE    OF    MASONRY.  277 

gradual  enjoyment  of  offices,  according  to  the  several 
rules  and  limitations  of  admissions.3 

But  it  is  replied,  that  the  general  design  of  Masonry 
may  be  commendable,  or  at  least  innocent,  and  yet  car- 
ried on  to  the  same  advantage  without  the  solemnity  of 
an  oath,  especially  pressed  under  such  dreadful  penalties. 
In  answer  to  this  I  observe,  that  the  question  is  not 
whether  the  purpose  of  Masonry  may  be  as  well  served 
without  an  oath,  but  whether  an  oath,  in  the  present 
case,  be  lawful,  and  may  be  taken  with  a  good  conscience. 
To  solve  this  difficulty,  I  shall  introduce  the  opinion  of 
Bishop  Sanderson,4  the  most  judicious  casuist  that  ever 
treated  upon  the  subject  of  oaths,  who  says  : — "  When  a 
thing  is  not  by  any  precept  or  interdict,  divine  or  human, 
so  determined  ;  but  every  man,  pro  hie  et  nunc,  may  at 
his  choice  do  or  not  do,  as  he  sees  expedient,  let  him  do 
what  he  will,  he  sinneth  not.  As  if  Oaius  should  swear 
to  sell  his  land  to  Titius,  or  to  lend  him  a  hundred 
crowns ;  the  answer  is  brief,  an  oath  in  this  case  is  both 
lawful  and  binding." 

Now,  I  would  know  what  precept,  divine  or  human, 
has  any  way  determined  upon  the  contents  of  the  dissec- 
tion ?  And  whether  the  general  design  of  Masonry,  as 
there  laid  down,  is  not  at  least  of  equal  benefit  and  im- 
portance to  the  public  with  the  lending  of  an  hundred 
crowns  to  a  private  man  ?  The  answers  to  these  ques- 
tions are  obvious,  and  the  consequence  is  equally  plain, 
that  an  oath  upon  the  subject  of  Masonry  is  at  least  justi- 


3  In  reality  it  was  so.  "The  Master  Masons  in  the  middle  ages  were 
chiefly  foreigners,  incorporated  by  royal  authority.  When  the  founda- 
tion of  an  abbey  was  meditated,  these  artisans  removed  themselves  in 
great  numbers  to  any  spot  in  any  part  of  the  kingdom.  The  ecclesias- 
tics were  the  only  men  of  science  at  that  time.  The  Freemasons  were 
blessed  by  the  pope,  and  were  first  encouraged  in  England  by  Henry  III., 
where  they  were  constantly  employed  till  the  close  of  Gothic  architec- 
ture. They  had  become  masters  of  its  geometrical  principles,  and  were 
associated  together  as  a  distinct  fraternity  under  a  Master  and  Wardens. 
At  the  building  or  rebuilding  of  our  cathedral  churches  they  removed 
from  one  province  to  another  by  lodges.  Their  constitution  and  internal 
government  were  strictly  regular  ;  and  from  the  peculiar  privileges  which 
they  obtained  upon  their  first  institution,  they  were  enabled  to  conceal 
their  art  and  modes  of  practice  from  the  rest  of  the  world.  And  this 
accounts  for  the  general  coincidence  and  character  maintained  through- 
out each  era  of  the  pointed  style." 

4  Do  Obligatione  Juramenti.     Prcelect.  iii.  s.  15. 


278 

Cable  arid  lawful.  As  for  the  terror  of  the  penalty,  the 
world,  upon  that  occasion,  is  commonly  mistaken  ;  for 
the  solemnity  of  the  oath  does  not  in  the  least  add  to  tin- 
obligation  ;  or,  in  other  words,  the  oath  is  equally  bind- 
ing without  any  penalty  at  all.  The  same  casuist  1ms 
this  expression: — "  A  solemn  oath  of  itself,  and  in  its  own 
nature,  is  not  more  obligatory  than  a  simple  one,  because 
the  obligation  of  an  oath  arises  precisely  from  this,  that 
God  is  invoked  as  a  witness  and  revenger,  no  less  in  a 
simple  oath  than  in  the  solemn  and  corporal  ;  for  tin1  in- 
vocation is  made  precisely  by  the  pronunciation  of  the 
words,  which  is  the  same  both  in  the  simple  and  solemn, 
and  riot  by  any  corporal  motion  or  concomitant  sign  in 
which  the  solemnity  of  the  oath  consists."5  I  write  to 
intelligent  readers,  and  therefore  this  citiation  wants  not 
to  be  explained. 

But  further,  if  the  oath  in  the  dissection  be  taken  by 
all  Masons  upon  their  admission,  no  member  of  the  fra- 
ternity, upon  any  pretence  whatever,  dares  violate  the 
obligation  of  it  without  incurring  the  guilt  of  perjury  ; 
even  supposing  that  Masonry  were  more  trifling  and  in- 
different than  in  the  dissection  it  may  appear  to  be.  And 
therefore  if  the  conduct  of  the  dissector  has  staggered 
the  conscience  of  any  one  of  the  Brotherhood  concerning 
the  observation  of  that  oath,  and  has  induced  him  to 
trifle  and  play  with  the  force  of  it,  I  hope  he  will  desist 
betimes,  lest  he  becomes  actually  forsworn.6 

Having  taking  off  the  weight  of  the  great  objection, 
I  shall  now  endeavour  to  remove  an  imputation  which 
has  been  often  urged  with  great  confidence,  viz.,  that  the 

6  Prselect.  v.  s.  12. 

6  The  case  is  thus  determined  by  the  same  casuist.  (Ibid.  iv.  s.  11.) 
<;A  voluntary  oath  is  the  more  binding  for  being  voluntary,  because  there 
is  no  straitor  obligation  than  that  which  we  take  willingly  upon  our- 
selves." And  in  another  place  the  casuist  is  more  particular.  "  \V  here 
a  matter,"  he  says,  "  is  so  trivial  that  it  is  not  worth  the  deliberation  of 
a  wise  man,  nor  matters  a  straw  whether  it  be  done  or  not  done  :  as  to 
reach  up  a  chip,  or  to  rub  one's  beard ;  or  for  the  slightness  of  the  mat- 
ter is  not  much  to  be  esteemed  :  as  to  give  a  boy  an  apple,  or  to  lend  a 
pin  ;  an  oath  is  binding  in  a  matter  of  the  least  moment,  because  weigh  ty 
and  trivial  things  have  a  like  respect  unto  truth  and  falsehood.  And 
farther,  because  every  party  swearing  is  bound  to  perform  all  he  promised 
as  far  as  he  is  able,  and  as  far  as  it  is  lawful.  But  to  give  an  apple 
to  a  boy  is  both  possible  and  lawful,  he  is  bound,  therefore,  to  perform  it, 
and  ought  to  fulfil  his  oath."  (Ibid.  iii.  s.  15.) 


DRFENCE    OF    MASONRY.  279 

principles  and  the  whole  frame  of  Freemasonry  is  so  very 
weak  and  ridiculous,  as  to  be  a  reflection  upon  men  of 
the  least  understanding  to  be  concerned  in  it.  And  now, 
say  the  merry  gentlemen,  it  appears  evidently  to  be  so 
by  the  dissection,  which  discovers  nothing  but  an  unin- 
telligible heap  of  stuff  and  jargon,  without  common  sense 
or  connection.7 

I  confess  I  am  of  another  opinion,  though  the  scheme 
of  Masonry,  as  revealed  by  the  dissector,  seems  liable  to 
exceptions.  Nor  is  it  so  clear  to  me  as  to  be  fully  under- 
stood at  the  first  view,  by  attending  only  to  the  literal 
construction  of  the  words ;  and  for  aught  I  know,  the 
system,  as  taught  in  the  regular  lodges,  may  have  some 
redundancies  or  defects,  occasioned  by  the  ignorance  or 
indolence  of  the  old  members.  And,  indeed,  consider- 
ing through  what  obscurity  and  darkness  the  mystery 
has  been  delivered  down,  the  many  centuries  it  has  sur- 
vived, the  many  countries  and  languages  and  sects  and 
parties  it  has  run  through,  we  are  rather  to  wonder  it 
ever  arrived  to  the  present  age  without  more  imperfec- 
tion. In  short,  I  am  apt  to  think  that  Masonry,  as  it  is 
now  explained,  has  in  some  circumstances  declined  from 
its  original  purity.  It  has  run  long  in  muddy  streams, 
and,  as  it  were,  underground ;  but  notwithstanding  the 
great  rust  it  may  have  contracted,  and  the  forbidding 
light  in  which  it  is  placed  by  the  dissector,  there  is  still 

7  This  is  a  very  common  charge  against  the  Order  by  those  who  are 
ignorant  of  its  design.  It  is  scarcely  within  my  province  to  answer  ob- 
jections, but  I  cannot  dismiss  the  above  observation  without  asking  those 
who  think  Freemasonry  "  ridiculous  and  absurd,"  a  few  simple  questions. 
Are  gravity  of  demeanour  and  seriousness  of  deportment  ridiculous  ? 
Are  brotherly  love  and  charity  absurd?  Are  dissertations  on  the  theo- 
logical and  cardinal  virtues  miserable  stuff  ?  Are  prayer  and  praise  to 
the  Great  Architect  of  the  Universe  unintelligible  jargon  ?  Are  the 
sublime  types  of  Christianity  with  which  the  Old  Testament  abounds 
ridiculous  and  absurd  ?  The  Ordar  of  Freemasonry  then  can  be  neither 
ridiculous  nor  absurd,  because  it  abounds  in  all  the  above  characteristics. 
And  more  than  this  ;  Freemasonry  has  not  a  single  emblem — and  they 
are  numerous — a  single  ceremony,  or  a  single  reference,  but  what  is  con- 
sonant with  the  general  principles  of  religion.  Would  Freemasonry,  do 
such  sceptics  believe,  be  so  extensively  patronized  by  the  noble,  the 
learned,  and  the  good,  if  it  were,  "  an  unintelligible  heap  of  stuff  and 
jargon,  witiiout  common  sense  or  connection."  it  is  not  to  be  believed. 
Every  possible  evidence  contributes  its  aid  to  prove  the  purity  and  use- 
fulness of  the  Order  ;  and  no  testimonies  exist  that  can  establish  a  con- 
*rary  opinion. 


280  DR.  ANDERSON'S 

much  of  the  old  fabric  remaining  ;  the  essential  pillars 
of  the  building  may  be  discovered  through  the  rubbish, 
though  the  superstructure  be  overrun  with  moss  and  ivy, 
and  the  stones,  by  length  of  time,  be  disjointed.  And. 
therefore,  as  the  bust  of  an  old  hero  is  of  great  value 
among  the  curious,  though  it  has  lost  an  eye,  the  nose, 
or  the  right  hand  ;  so  Masonry,  with  all  its  blemish  r* 
and  misfortunes,  instead  of  appearing  ridiculous,  ought, 
in  my  humble  opinion,  to  be  received  with  some  candour 
and  esteem,  from  a  veneration  to  its  antiquity, 

I  was  exceedingly  pleased  to  find  the  dissector  lay  the 
original  scene  of  Masonry  in  the  East,  a  country  always 
famous  for  symbolical  learning  supported  by  secrecy ; 
and  I  could  not  avoid  immediately  thinking  of  the  did 
Egyptians,  who  concealed  the  chief  mysteries  of  their 
religion  under  signs  and  symbols,  called  hieroglyphics. 
So  great  was  their  regard  for  silence  and  secrecy  that 
they  had  a  deity  called  Harpocrates,8  whom  they  respect- 
ed with  peculiar  honour  and  veneration.9  A  learned 
author  has  described  this  idol  thus: — "  Harpocrates,  th<^ 
god  of  silence,  was  represented  with  his  right  hand 
placed  near  the  heart,  covered  with  a  skin  before,  full 
of  eyes  and  ears,  to  signify  that  many  things  are  to  be 
seen  and  heard  which  ought  not  to  be  spoken.  And 
among  the  same  people,  their  great  goddess  Isis,  the 
same  as  Minerva,  the  goddess  of  strength  and  wisdom 
amongst  the  Greeks,  had  always  the  image  of  a  sphinx 
placed  in  the  entrance  of  her  temples  ;10  because  their 

8  I  must  observe  here,  although  I  think  I  have  made  the  same  remark 
elsewhere,  that  Mr.  Wilkinson  doubts  this  appropriation.     In  his  -  Man- 
ners and  Customs  of  the  ancient  Egyptians,"  he  says,  that  "  the  sign 
adopted  by  the  Egyptians  to  indicate  silence  is  evidently  shown,  from  the 
sculptures  on  their  monuments,  to  have  been  given  by  placing  the  hand 
over  the  mouth,  and  not,  as  generally  supposed,  by  approaching  the  finger 
to  the  lips ;  and  the  Greeks  erroneously  concluded  that  the  youthful 
Hiirpocrates  was  the  deity  of  silence,  from  his  appearing  in  this  attitude  ; 
which,  however  humiliating  to  the  character  of  a  deity,  was  only  illus- 
trative of  his  extreme  youth,  and  of  a  habit  common  to  children  in  every 
country,  whether  of  ancient  or  modern  times." 

9  Vide  Imagines  deorum,  a  Vincentio  Chartario. 

10  The  sphinx  was  used  abundantly  in  the  approaches  to  the  Egyptian 
temples  for  the  above  reason.     The  avenues  leading  to  the  temple  of 

Carnac  were  filled  with  them.     A  traveller,  quoted  "by  Goguet.  says  : 

"  This  palace  shows  itself  by  many  avenues  formed  by  rows  of  sphinxes, 
the  head  turned  to  the  inside  of  the  alley.     These  figures,  which  are  each 


DEFENCE    OF    MASONRY.  281 

secrets  shauld  be  preserved  under  sacred  coverings,  that 
they  might  be  kept  from  the  knowledge  of  the  vulgar,  as 
much  as  the  riddles  of  Sphinx." 

Pythagoras,  by  travelling  into  Egypt,  became  instruct- 
ed in  the  mysteries  of  that  nation  ;  and  here  he  laid  the 
foundation  of  all  his  symbolical  learning.  The  several 
writers  that  have  mentioned  this  philosopher,11  and  given 
an  account  of  his  sect  and  institutions,  have  convinced 
me  fully  that  Freemasonry,  as  published  by  the  dissec- 
tor, is  very  nearly  allied  to  the  old  Pythagorean  disci- 
pline ;  from  whence,  I  am  persuaded  it  may,  in  some 
circumstances,  very  justly  claim  its  descent.  For  in- 
stance, upon  the  admission  of  a  disciple,  he  was  bound 
by  solemn  oath  to  conceal  the  mysteries  from  the  vulgar 
and  uninitiated.  The  principal  arid  most  efficacious  of 
their  doctrines,  says  lamblichus,12  were  ever  kept  secret 
amongst  themselves ;  they  were  continued  unwritten, 
and  preserved  only  by  memory  to  their  successors,  to 
whom  they  delivered  them  as  mysteries  of  the  gods. 
They  conversed  with  one  another  by  signs,  and  had  par- 
ticular words,  which  they  received  upon  their  admission, 
and  which  were  preserved  with  great  reverence  as  the 
distinction  of  their  sect ;  for,  it  is  the  judicious  remark 
of  Laertius,  as  generals  use  watchwords  to  distinguish 

twenty-one  feet  h'jgh,  are  distant  from  each  other  about  the  space  of  two 
paces.  I  have  walked  in  four  of  these  avenues,  which  ended  at  so  many 

fates  of  the  palace.  I  know  not  whether  there  were  any  more,  because 
only  made  half  the  circuit  of  that  edifice,  which  appeared  extremely 
spacious.  I  counted  sixty  sphinxes  in  the  length  of  an  alley,  ranged  op- 
posite to  an  equal  number,  and  fifty-one  in  another."  Other  travellers 
have  told  us  that  in  one  avenue  they  had  the  head  of  a  bull ;  in  another, 
they  were  represented  with  a  human  head  ;  in  a  third  with  a  ram's  head. 
On  approaching  them  the  visitor  is  inspired  with  astonishment ;  their 
enormous  size  strikes  him  with  wonder  and  respect  to  the  gods  to  whom 
they  were  dedicated.  The  immense  colossal  statues  which  are  seated  at 
each  side  of  the  gate,  seem  guarding  the  entrance  to  the  holy  ground. 

11  Yid.  lamblichus  ;  vit.  Pyth.  Laertius  ;  vit.  Pyth.  Porphyry.  Cleni. 
Alex.  Strom.,  &c.,  &c. 

12  The  words  of  lamblichus  were  to  this  effect :     The  priacipal  and 
most  efficacious  of  their  doctrines  were  never  divulged,  but  kept  with 
exact  echemythia  towards  the  uninitiated.     They  were  never  committed 
to  writing,  but  transmitted  to  their  successors  by  oral  communication,  as 
the  sacred  mysteries  of  the  gods.     And  thus  nothing  of  consequence  went 
abroad  from  them.     Their  exoteric  doctrines  were  only  known  within  the 
walls ;  and  if  by  chance  any  cowan,  or  profane,  or  uninitiated  person 
was  found  amongst  them,  they  conversed  with  each  other  solely  by  sym- 
bols, which  the  stranger  could  not  comprehend.   (C.  17.) 


their  own  soldiers  from  others,  so  it  is  proper  to  com- 
municate to  the  initiated  peculiar  signs  and  words  as  dis- 
tinctive marks  of  a  society.  The  Pythagoreans  professed 
a  great  regard  for  what  the  dissector  calls  the  tour  prin- 
ciples of  Masonry,  viz.,  a  point,  a  line,  a  superficies,  and 
a  solid ;  and  particularly  held  that  a  square  was  a  very 
proper  emblem  of  the  Divine  Essence ;  the  gods,  they 
say,  who  are  the  authors  of  everything  established  in 
wisdom,  strength,  and  beauty,  are  not  improperly  repre- 
sented by  the  figure  of  a  square.13 

Many  more  instances  might  be  produced,  would  the 
limits  of  my  design  admit;  I  shall  only  observe  that 
there  was  a  false  Brother,  one  Hipparchus,14  of  this  sect, 
who,  out  of  spleen  and  disappointment,  broke  through 
the  bond  of  his  oath,  and  committed  the  secrets  of  the 
society  to  writing,  in  order  to  bring  the  doctrine  into  con- 
tempt. He  was  immediately  expelled  the  school  as  a 
person  most  infamous  and  abandoned — as  one  dead  to  all 
sense  of  virtue  and  goodness ;  and  the  Pythagoreans, 
according  to  their  custom,  made  a  tomb  for  him,  as  if  he 
had  been  actually  dead.  The  shame  and  disgrace  that 
justly  attended  this  violation  of  his  oath,  threw  the  poor 
wretch  into  a  lit  of  madness  and  despair,  so  that  he  cut 
his  throat,  and  perished  by  his  own  hands  ;  and,  which 
surprised  me  to  rind,  his  memory  was  so  abhorred  after 
his  death,  that  his  body  lay  upon  the  shore  of  the  island 
of  Samos,  and  had  no  other  burial  than  in  the  sands  of 
the  sea ! 

The  Essenes  among  the  Jews  were  a  sort  of  Pythago- 
reans, and  corresponded  in  many  particulars  with  the 
practice  of  the  fraternity,  as  delivered  in  the  dissection. 
Thus,  when  a  person  desired  to  be  admitted  into  their 
society,  he  was  to  pass  through  two  degrees  of  probation, 
before  he  could  be  a  perfect  master  of  their  mysteries. 
When  he  was  received  into  the  class  of  novices,  he  was 
presented  with  a  white  garment ;  and  when  he  had  been 
long  enough  to  give  some  competent  proofs  of  his  secrecy 
and  virtue,  he  was  admitted  to  further  knowledge ;  but 
still  he  went  on  with  the  trial  of  his  integrity  and  good 
manners,  and  then  was  fully  taken  into  the  society.15 

13  Vid.  Proclus  in  Euclid,  1.  xi.  def.  2,  34.       "  Clem.  Alex.  Strom,  v. 
16  The  Essenes,  like  the  Pythagoreans,  kept  a  perfect  silence  at  table ; 


DEFENCE    OF    MASONRY.  283 

But  before  he  was  received  as  an  established  member, 
he  was  first  to  bind  himself  by  solemn  obligations  and 
professions,16  to  do  justice,  to  do  no  wrong,  to  keep  faith 
with  all  men,  to  embrace  the  truth,  to  keep  his  hands 
clear  from  theft  and  fraudulent  dealing;  not  to  conceal 
from  his  iel low-professors  any  of  the  mysteries,  nor  to 
communicate  any  of  them  to  the  profane,  though  it 
should  be  to  save  his  life  ;  to  deliver  nothing  but  what 
he  received,  and  to  endeavour  to  preserve  the  principle 
that  he  professes.  They  eat  and  drink  at  the  same  com- 
mon table ;  and  the  fraternity  that  come  from  any  other 
place  are  sure  to  be  received  there.  They  meet  together 
in  an  assembly,  and  the  right  hand  is  laid  upon  the  part 
between  the  chin  and  the  breast,  while  the  left  hand  is 
let  down  straight  by  their  side. 

The  cabalists,  another  sect,  dealt  in  hidden  and  mys- 
terious ceremonies.17  The  Jews  had  ;i  great  regard  for 
this  science,  and  thought  they  had  made  uncommon  dis- 
coveries by  means  of  it.  They  divided  their  knowledge 
into  speculative  and  operative.  David  and  Solomon, 
they  say,  were  exquisitely  skilled  in  it,  and  nobody  at 
first  presumed  to  commit  it  by  writing.  But  what 
seems  most  to  the  present  purpose  is,  that  the  perfec- 
tion of  their  skill  consisted  in  what  the  dissector  calls 
"  lettering  of  it,"  or  by  ordering  the  letters  of  a  word  in 
a  particular  manner.18 

and  if  tea  of  them  sat  together,  no  one  was  allowed  to  speak  except  by 
permission  of  the  other  nine.  Nor  could  he  be  interrupted  by  words,  al- 
though signs  were  allowed  to  be  used  for  that  purpose.  They  imitated 
the  Pythagoreans  also  in  another  practice  :  the  period  which  necessarily 
intervened  between  their  first  admission  and  their  full  initiation  was  five 
years,  four  of  which  were  years  of  trial.  The  commencement  of  their 
probation  was  signified  by  their  reception  of  dolabellum,  perizoma,  and 
vestem  asbam ;  i.  e.,  a  spaddle,  an  apron,  or  girdle  for  the  loins,  arid  a 
white  robe.  They  second  year  they  were  admitted  to  a  participation  in 
some  of  the  exoteric  secrets.  If  any  one  broke  his  oath,  a  hundred 
Essenes  were  assembled  together,  and  he  was  formally  expelled,  which 
usually  ended  in  his  death. 

16  Fhilo  de  vita  contemp.  Josephus  Ant.  1.  viii.  c.  2. 

17  See  Basnage's  Hist,  of  the  Jews,  and  Collier's  Diet,  on  the  word 
cabala. 

18  The  cabala  was  transmitted  from  father  to  son,  and  from  one  genera- 
tion to  another,  by  tradition  ;  and  the  Jews  considered  it  as  a  sort  of  re- 
paration for  the  loss  of  knowledge  at  the  fall.     They  teach  that  their 
forefathers  received  the  cabala  at  four  several  times  by  immediate  revela- 
tions from  heaven.     First,  it  was  communicated  to  Adam,  who,  being 

11* 


284  DR. 

The  last  instance  I  shall  mention  is  that  of  the  Druids 
ill  our  own  nation,  who  were  the  only  priests  among  the 
ancient  Britons-19  In  their  solemnities  they  were  clothed 
in  white;  and  tiieir  ceremonies  always  ended  with  a 
good  feast.  Pomponius  Mela  relates  of  them,  that  their 
science  was  otdy  an  effort  of  memory;  !<>r  tiiey  wrote 
down  nothing,  and  they  never  failed  to  repeat  ma  in- 
verses which  they  received  by  tradition.20  Caesar  observes 
that  they  had  a  head  or  chief,  who  had  sovereign  power. 
This  president  exercised  a  sort  of  excommunication, 
attended  with  dreadful  penalties,  upon  such  as  either 
divulged  or  profaned  their  mysteries.  Thus,  with'  rea- 
sonable allowance  for  distance  of  time,  place,  and  other 
intermediate  accidents,  the  preceding  collections  disco- 
ver something,  at  least,  like  Masonry,  if  the  dissection 
contains  any  such  thing. 

Whatever  reflections  may  attend  the  following  re- 
very  sad  and  sorrowful  after  his  expulsion  from  the  garden  of  Eden,  and 
the  consequent  forfeiture  of  the  confidence  of  his  Creator,  the  angel  Ku»u«  1 
was  commissioned  to  appear  unto  him,  not  only  to  administer  comfort, 
but  also  to  give  him  such  instructions  as  might  repair  the  knowledge 
which  he  had  lost  by  disobedience.  This  instruction  the  Jews  call  their 
cabala,  which  was  lost  a  second  time  at  the  deluge,  and  again  on  the 
plain  of  Shinar,  and  was  restored  to  Abraham.  It  was  again  lost  during 
the  Egyptian  captivity,  and  communicated  to  Moses  at  the  burning  bush. 
The  idolatry  of  the  Jews  in  the  Promised  Lund,  caused  it  to  be^oncemore 
withdrawn,  and  it  was  revealed  to  Solomon  in  a  dream,  when  he  preferred 
wisdom  to  riches.  The  cabala  was  again  lost  at  the  Babylonish  captivi- 
ty ;  and,  according  to  Jewish  tradition,  it  was  restored  to  Esdras,  who, 
by  God's  command,  withdrew  himself  into  the  wilderness  forty  days,  at- 
tended by  five  scribes,  and  there  wrote  two  hundred  and  four  books, 
whereof  the  first  one  hundred  and  thirty-four  were  publicly  read,  but  the 
other  seventy  were  delivered  to  the  Levites,  and  these  they  pretend  to 
contain  the  secrets  of  their  cabala. 

19  Yid.  Caesar.  Com.  1.  vi.     Sammes.  Brit.  b.  i.  c.  4. 

20  Those  things  which  regarded  the  internal  discipline  cf  the  Druids, 
and  the  mysteries  of  their  religion,  were  conducted  with  the  greatest 
privacy.     "Docent  multa,  iiobilissimos  gentia,"  says  P.  Mela,  "clam,  ct 
diu,  vicenis  annis,  in  specn,  aut  in  abditis  Bftltibus,"  (1.  iil.  c.  2.)     And 
their  effectual  regard  to  secrecy  is  forcibly  pointed  out  by  what  the 
author   immediately  adds — "  Unum   ex   iis,  quie  praecipiunt,  in   vulgus 
effluxit."     The  attentive  ear  of  curiosity  hud  been  able  to  catch  only  one 
of  their  institutional  triads.     Cffisar  also  mentions  the  solicitude  of  the 
Druids,  lest  their  discipline  should  be  exposed  to  public  view  ;  and  their 
religious  meetings,  though  covered  by  the  inaccessible  grove,  were  holdeu 
In  the  night,  as  well  as  at  noon. 

Medio  cum  Phoebus  in  axe  est, 
Aut  coelum  nox  atra  tenet. 

Lucan.  Pharsal.  L  iii. 


DEFENCE    OF    MASONRY.  285 

marks,  arising  either  from  an  overflow  of  wit  or  ill- 
nature,  I  sha-11  be  unconcerned,  and  leave  them  wholly 
to  the  mercy  of  the  serious  reader  ;  only  desiring  them 
to  remember  that  no  more  ought,  in  any  case,  to  be 
expected  than  what  the  nature  of  it  will  reasonably 
admit.  I  own  freely,  I  received  a  great  pleasure  in  col- 
lecting, and  was  frequently  surprised  at  the  discoveries 
that  must  evidently  occur  to  an  observing  eye.  The 
conformity  between  the  rites  and  principles  of  Masonry, 
if  the  dissection  be  true,  and  the  many  customs  and  cere- 
monies of  the  ancients,  must  give  delight  to  a  person  of 
any  taste  and  curiosity  ;  to  find  any  remains  of  antique 
usage  and  learning  preserved  by  a  society  for  many  ages 
without  books  or  writing,  by  oral  tradition  only. 

The  number  three  is  frequently  mentioned  in  the  dis- 
section ;  and  I  find  that  the  ancients,  both  Greeks  and 
Latins,  professed  a  great  veneration  for  that  number. 
Theocritus21  thus  introduces  a  person  who  dealt  in  secret 
arts  : — "  Thrice  thrice  I  pour,  and  thrice  repeat  my 
charms."  Again  in  Ovid  :22 — "  Verbaque  ter  dixit :  thrice 
he  repeats  the  words."  And  in  Virgil  i23 — "  Necte  tribus 
nodis  ternos,  amariili,  colores :  three  colours  in  three 
knots  unite."  Whether  this  fancy  owes  its  original  to 
the  number  three,  because  containing  a  beginning,  middle, 
and  end,  it  seems  to  signify  all  things  in  the  world;  or 
whether  to  the  esteem  the  Pythagoreans  and  other  philo- 
sophers had  for  it,  on  account  of  their  triad  or  trinity; 
or,  lastly,  to  mention  no  more  opinions,  to  its  aptness  to 
signify  the  power  of  the  gods,  who  were  divided  into 
three  classes,  celestial,  terrestrial,  and  infernal,  I  shall 
leave  to  be  determined  by  others.  The  gods,  however, 
had  a  particular  esteem  for  this  number,  as  Virgil  asserts 
— "  Numero  deus  impare  gaudet :  unequal  numbers 
please  the  gods."  We  find  three  fatal  sisters,  three 
furies,  three  names  and  appearances  of  Diana — "  Tria 
virginis  ora  Dianae :  three  different  forms  does  chaste 
Diana  bear."24  The  sons  of  Saturn,  among  whom  the 
empire  of  the  world  was  divided,  were  three.  And  for 
the  same  reason  we  read  of  Jupiter's  fulrnen  trifidum,  or 
three-forked  thunderbolt ;  and  of  Neptune's  trident,  with 

81  Idyll.  B.     See  the  Landmarks  of  Masonry,  vol.  i.  lect.  ix. 

B  Metam.  1.  vii. 

93  Eel.  viii.  '24  Virgil,  eclog.  viii.     ./Eneid.  1.  iv. 


286 

several  other  tokens  of  the  veneration  they  had  to  this 
particular  number. 

A  peculiar  ceremony  belonging  to  the  until,  as  declared 
by  the  dissector,  bears  a  near  relation  to  a  form  of  swear- 
ing among  the  ancients,  mentioned  by  a  learned  author.25 
The  person  who  took  the  oath  was  to  be  upon  his  bare 
knees,  with  a  naked  sword  pointed  to  his  throat,  invoking 
the  sun,  moon,  and  stars  to  be  witnesses  to  the  truth  of 
what  he  swore.26 

A  part  of  the  Mason's  Catechism  has  given  occasion  to 
a  great  deal  of  idle  mirth  and  ridicule,  as  the  most  trifling 
and  despicable  sort  of  jargon  that  men  of  common  sense 
ever  submitted  to.  The  bone-box  and  the  tow-line  have 
given  wonderful  diversion.  I  think  there  are  some  verses 
in  the  last  chapter  of  the  book  of  Ecclesiastes,  which  in 
some  manner  resemble  this  form  of  expression.  I  shall 
transcribe  them,  with  the  opinion  of  the  learned  upon 
them,  without  making  any  particular  application.  The 
passage  is  as  follows:27 — "In  the  day  when  the  keepers 
of  the  house  shall  tremble  ;  and  the  grinders  cease  because 
they  are  few ;  and  those  that  look  out  at  the  windows 
be  darkened ;  and  the  doors  shall  be  shut  up  in  the 
streets ;  when  the  sound  of  the  grinding  is  low ;  and  he 
shall  rise  up  at  the  voice  of  the  bird  ;  and  all  the  daughters 
of  music  shall  be  brought  low  ;  or  ever  the  silver  cord  be 
loosed,  or  the  golden  bowl  be  broken,  or  the  pitcher  be 
broken  at  the  fountain,  or  the  wheel  broken  at  the  cis- 
tern." The  expositors  upon  these  verses  are  almost 
unanimous  in  their  opinion,28  that  they  ought  to  be  thus 
explained : — The  keepers  of  the  house  are  the  shoulders, 
arms,  and  hands  of  the  human  body ;  the  grinders  are  the 
teeth ;  those  that  look  out  at  the  windows  are  the  two 
eyes ;  the  doors  are  the  lips ;  the  streets  are  the  mouth  ; 
the  sound  of  the  grinding  is  the  noise  of  the  voice ;  the 

25  Alexander  ab  Alexandro.  1.  v.  c.  10. 

26  The  Druids  had  a  similar  custom.     It  was  a  necessary  duty  of  the 
bards  to  unsheath  the  sword  against  those  who  had  forfeited  their  obliga- 
tion by  divulging  any  of  the  secrets  of  the  Order.     In  this  respect  their 
custom  was  the  same  as  that  of  all  other  nations.     Thus,  in  the  introduc- 
tion to  Llywarch  Hen,  we  find  that  the  custom  was  to  "  call  upon  the 
delinquent  three  times,  proclaiming  that  the  sword  was  naked  against 
him."    The  same  ceremony  was  used  in  the  Eleusiniau  mysteries. 

2T  Eccles.  xii.  3,  4,  6. 

38  Bishop  Patrick,  Smith,  Foster,  Melancthon,  &c.,  &c. 


DEFENCE    OF    MASONRY.  287 

voice  of  the  bird  is  the  crowing  of  the  cock ;  the  daughters 
of  music  are  the  two  ears ;  the  silver  cord  is  the  string 
of  the  tongue ;  the  golden  bowl  is  the  pia  mater ;  the 
pitcher  at  the  fountain  is  the  heart,  the  fountain  of  life; 
the  wheel  is  the  great  artery ;  and  the  cistern  is  the  left 
ventricle  of  the  heart.29 

There  could  not  possibly  have  been  devised  a  more 
significant  token  of  love,  friendship,  integrity,  and  honesty, 
than  the  joining  of  the  right  hands — a  ceremony  made  use 
of  by  all  civilized  nations,  as  a  token  of  a  faithful  and  true 
heart.  Fides,  or  Fidelity,  was  a  deity  among  the  ancients, 
of  which  a  learned  writer30  has  given  this  description : — 
The  proper  residence  of  faith  or  fidelity  was  thought  to 
be  in  the  right  hand,  and  therefore  this  deity  was  some- 
times represented  by  two  right  hands  joined  together ; 
sometimes  by  two  little  images  shaking  each  other  by  the 
right  hand ;  so  that  the  right  hand  was  esteemed  by  the 
ancients  as  a  sacred  symbol.  And  agreeably  to  this  are 
those  expressions  in  Virgil — "En  dextra  fidesque ;"  as  if 
shaking  by  the  right  hand  was  an  inseparable  token  of  an 
honest  heart.  And  again — "  Cur  dextrae  jungere  dextram 
Don  datur,  et  veras  audire  et  reddere  voces  V"  That  is, 
why  should  we  not  join  right  hand  to  right  hand,  and 
hear  and  speak  the  truth? 

"  In  all  contracts  and  agreements,"  says  Archbishop 
Potter,31  "it  was  usual  to  take  each  other  by  the  right 
hand,  that  being  the  manner  of  plighting  faith.  And 
this  was  done  either  out  of  respect  to  the  number  ten,  as 
some  say,  there  being  ten  fingers  on  the  tw?o  hands ;  or 
because  such  a  conjunction  was  a  token  of  amity  and 
concord  ;  whence  at  all  friendly  meetings  they  joined 
hands  as  a  sign  of  the  union  of  their  souls.  It  was  one 
of  the  cautions  of  Pythagoras  to  his  disciples — '  take 
heed  to  whom  you  offer  your  right  hand ;'  which  is  thus 
explained  by  lamblichus,32  '  take  no  one  by  the  right 
hand  but  the  initiated,  that  is,  in  the  mystical  form,  for 
the  vulgar  and  profane  are  altogether  unworthy  of  the 
mystery.'  '>33 

29  The  above  passage  contains  such  an  admirable  illustration  of  the 
tropical  hieroglyphic,  that  I  cannot  forbear  calling  particular  attention 
to  it.  3°  Chartarius  in  lib.  ut  supra. 

31  Ant.  of  Greece,  vol.  i.  p.  251 .  82  In  vit.  Pythagoras. 

33  The  exact  words  of  lamblichus  are  very  expressive  : — "  Give  not 


288  DR.  ANDERSON'S 

The  dissector  frequently  taking  notice  of  the  number 
seven,  I  instantly  recurred  to  the  old  Egyptians,  who  held 
the  number  seven  to  be  sacred  ;  more  especially  tln-v 
believed  that  whilst  their  feast  of  seven  days  lasted,  the 
crocodiles  lost  their  inbred  cruelty.  And  Leo  Afer,  in 
his  description  of  Africa,  says,  that  in  his  time  the  cus- 
tom of  feasting  seven  days  and  nights,  was  used  lor  the 
happy  overflowing  of  the  Nile.  The  Greeks  and  Latins 
professed  the  same  regard  for  that  number,  which  might 
be  proved  by  many  examples. 

The  accident  by  which  the  body  of  Master  Hiram  was 
found  after  his  death,  seems  to  allude,  in  some  circum- 
stances, to  a  beautiful  passage  in  the  sixth  book  of  Virgil's 
u3£neid.  Anchises  had  been  dead  for  some  time,  and 
^Eneas,  his  son,  professed  so  much  duty  to  his  departed 
father,  that  he  consulted  witht  he  Curnaean  sibyl,  whether 
it  were  possible  for  him  to  descend  into  the  shades  below, 
in  order  to  speak  with  him.  The  prophetess  encouraged 
him  to  go  ;  but  told  him  he  could  not  succeed,  unless  he 
went  into  a  certain  place  and  plucked  a  golden  bough  or 
shrub,  which  he  should  carry  in  his  hand,  and  by  that 
means  obtain  directions  where  he  should  find  his  father. 
The  words  are  well  translated  by  Dryden,  viz. : — 

in  the  neighbouring  grove 

There  stands  a  tree  ;  the  queen  of  Stygian  Jove 
Claims  it  her  home  ;  thick  woods  and  gloomy  night 
Conceal  the  happy  plant  from  mortal  sight. 
One  bough  it  bears,  but  wondrous  to  behold, 
The  ductile  rind  and  leaves  are  radiant  gold  ; 
This  from  the  vulgar  branches  must  be  torn, 
And  to  fair  Proserpine  the  present  borne, 
Ere  leave  be  given  to  tempt  the  nether  skies  ; 
The  first  thus  rent,  a  second  will  arise, 
And  the  same  metal  the  same  room  supplies. 
The  willing  metal  will  obey  thy  hand, 
Following  with  ease. 

your  right  hand  easily  :  that  is,  draw  not  towards  you  improper  and  un- 
initiated persons  by  giving  them  your  right  hand ;  for  to  such  as  have 
not  been  long  tried  by  repeated  disciplines  and  doctrines,  and  who  have 
not  proved  themselves  fit  to  participate  in  the  mysteries  by  a  quinquennial 
silence  and  other  trials,  the  right  hand  ought  not  to  be  given."  Pytha- 
goras had  a  similar  moral  reference  to  the  right  foot.  One  of  his  symbols 
was — "  Pluck  off  your  right  shoe  first,  but  put  your  left  foot  first  into 
the  basin  ;"  by  which  he  exhorted  his  disciples  to  active  prudence.  The 
rigid  represented  good  actions,  which  ought  to  be  performed  ;  and  the 
left  bad  ones,  which  ought  to  be  laid  aside  and  rejected. 


DEFENCE    OF    MASONRY.  289 

Anchises,  the  great  preserver  of  the  Trojan  name,  could 
not  have  been  discovered  but  by  the  help  of  a  bouglt, 
which  was  plucked  with  great  ease  from  the  tree;  nor, 
it  seems,  could  Hiram,  the  Grand  Master  of  Masonry, 
have  been  found,  but  by  the  direction  of  a  shrub,34  which, 
says,  the  dissector,  came  easily  up.  The  principal  cause 
of  ^Eneas's  descent  into  the  shades  was  to  inquire  of  his 
father  the  secrets  of  ike  Fates,  which  should  some  time  be 
fulfilled  among  his  posterity.  And  in  like  manner  the 
occasion  of  the  Brethren  searching  so  diligently  for  their 
Master  was,  it  seems,  to  receive  from  him  the  secret  word 
of  Masonry,  which  should  be  delivered  down  to  their 
fraternity  in  after  ages.55  This  remarkable  verse  fol- 
lows : — 

Praeterea  jacet  exanimum  tibi  corptus  amici, 
Heu  nescis ! 

The  body  of  your  friend  lies  near  you  dead, 
Alas,  you  know  not  how ! 

This  was  Misenus,  that  was  murdered  and  buried,  monte 
sub  <zrio,  under  a  high  hill ;  as,  says  the  dissector,  Master 
Hiram  was.36 

34  In  the  Jewish  Talmud  there  is  an  account  of  the  death  of  Hiram,  in 
unison  with  the  above  tradition.     So  says  M.  Laurens,  in  his  Essais  sur 
le  F.  MaQonnerie.     But  be  that  correct  or  not,  the  shrub  or  sprig  of 
acacia,  here  referred  to,  cannot  be  the  acacia  of  modern  botanists.     The 
word,  as  we  use  it,  is  entirely  allegorical,  and  there  are  some  doubts  whether 
it  was  ever  applied  by  Masons  to  a  shrub  till  the  beginning  of  the  last 
century. 

35  The  Hebrews  attributed  mystical  powers  to  certain  secret  words 
which  they  called  Tetragrammaton,  and  these  were  esteemed  ineffable. 
In  like  manner  the  Pythagoreans  venerated  the  Tetractys,  a  word  which 
was  very  early  corrupted  in  the  pagan  world  to  JAO,  JAVE,  JUBA,  JOVAH, 
&c.     Warburton  mentions  some  secret  words  which  were  used  in  the  Eleu- 
sinian  mysteries.     "  When  the  ceremony/'  says  he, "  of  initiation  was  over, 
then  came  the  Aporreta,  and  delivered  the  hymn  called  the  Theology  of 
Idols.     After  this  the  assembly  was  dismissed  with  these  two  mysterious 
words,  KOF3,  OMIIA3,  which  have  been  variously  translated,  and  con- 
stituted the  secret  tokens  by  which  the  initiated  made  themselves  known 
to  each  other. 

36  An  intelligent  and  highly  respected  friend  and  Brother,  who  feels  in- 
clined to  understand  our  allegories  astronomically,  writes  to  me  thus  on 
the  above  subject : — "  Whatever  might  have  been  the  absolute  origin  of 
the  mysteries  of  the  spurious  Freemasonry,  I  have  no  doubt  but  they 
ended  in  a  mythological  death  of  the  sun  ;  and,  that  finally  they  merged 
into  a  celebration  of  the  vernal  equinox,  when  the  sun  was  about  to  give 
more  light  and  vigour  to  the  earth  for  the  next  six  months.     At  one 
time  I  thought  to  connect  the  solar  murderers  with  the  opposition  made 


290  DR. 

But  there  is  another  story  in  Virgil  that  stands  in  a 
nearer  relation  to  the  case  of  Hiram,  and  the  accident  by 
which  he  is  said  to  have  been  discovered,  which  is  this: — 
Priarnus,  King  of  Troy,  in  the  beginning  of  the  Trojan 
war,  committed  his  son  Polydorus  to  the  care  of  Poly  m- 
nestor,  King  of  Thrace,  and  sent  with  him  a  great  sum 
of  money.  But  after  Troy  was  taken,  tin?  Thracian,  for 
the  sake  of  the  money,  killed  the  young  prince  and  pri- 
vately buried  him.  ^Ericas,  corning  into  that  country, 
arid  accidentally  plucking  up  a  shrub  that  was  near  him  on  the 
side  of  a  hill,  discovered  the  murdered  body  of  Polydorus. 
Thus  Dry  den  : — 

Not  far  a  rising  hillock  stood  in  vtew, 

Sharp  myrtles  on  the  sides  and  cornels  grew  ; 

There  while  I  went  to  crop  the  sylvan  scenes, 

And  shade  our  altar  with  the  leafy  greens, 

I  pulled  a  plant;  with  horror  I  relate 

,A  prodigy  so  strange  and  full  of  fate, 

Scarce  dare  I  tell  the  sequel.     From  the  womb 

Of  wounded  earth,  and  caverns  of  the  tomb, 

A  groan,  as  of  a  troubled  ghost,  renew 'd 

My  fright ;  and  then  these  dreadful  words  ensued — 

Why  dost  thou  thus  my  buried  body  rend  ? 

Oh  spare  the  corpse  of  thy  unhappy  friend ! 

The  agreement  between  these  two  relations  is  so 
exact,  that  there  wrarits  no  further  illustration. 

We  are  told  that  a  sprig  of  cassia  was  placed  by  the 
Brethren  at  the  head  of  Hiram's  grave  j37  which  refers  to 
an  old  custom  of  those  eastern  countries  of  embalming 
the  dead,. in  which  operation  cassia  was  always  used, 

by  some  o-f  the  winter  signs  to  his  progress  towards  the  summer  ones ;  but 
1  could  never  satisfy  myself  on  that  point.  The  weeping  for  Tammuz  is 
said  to  have  taken  place  at  the  summer  solstice,  when  the  sun  commenced 
his  retreat ;  and  it  is  possible  that  mysteries  were  also  celebrated  then, 
although  I  have  only  turned  my  attention  to  those  connected  with  our 
more  direct  traditions." 

37  In  more  modern  times  a  sprig  of  laurel  or  rosemary  was  used  for  the 
same  purpose.  Thus  Misson,  in  his  Travels,  says  : — "  When  the  funeral 
procession  is  ready  to  set  out,  they  nail  up  the  coffin,  and  a  servant  pre- 
sents the  company  with  sprigs  of  rosemary  ;  every  one  takes  a  sprig  and 
carries  it  in  his  hand  till  the  body  is  put  into  the  grave,  at  which  time 
they  all  throw  in  their  sprigs  after  it."  Sometimes,  however,  other  herbs 
were  substituted,  as  appears  from  the  following  passage  in  an  old  play — • 


our  showre  shall  crowne 

His  sepulcher  with  olive,  myrh,  and  bayes, 
The  plants  of  peace,  of  sorrow,  victorie. 

At  present,  flowers  of  any  description  are  placed  in  the  coffin. 


DEFENCE    OF    MASONRY. 

especially  in  preparing  the  head,  and  drying  up  the 
brains,  as  Herodotus  more  plainly  explains.  The  sweet 
wood,  perfumes,  and  flowers,  used  about  the  graves  of 
the  dead,38  occur  so  frequently  in  the  old  poets,  that  it 
would  be  tedious  to  mention  them.39  Ovid  thus  de- 
scribes the  death  of  the  phoenix  :40 

Upon  a  shady  tree  she  takes  her  rest, 
And  on  the  highest  bough  her  funeral  nest 
Her  beak  a  j(  Ulon.-,  1-uiJd  ;  thej  t-trf  ^vs  thereon 
Balm,  cassia,  spikenard,  myrrh,  aud  cinnamon  ; 
Last  on  the  fragrant  pile  herself  she  lays, 
.And  in  consuming  odours  ends  her  days. 


38  The  Grecian  graves  were  always  marked  by  a  shrub  calied 

or  a  garland  of  herbs.  In  honour  of  the  dead  they  threw  boughs  and 
leaves  upon  the  grave ;  as  Euripides  says  they  did  to  Polyxena  when  she 
died  ;  for  in  latter  times,  if  a  man  had  won  a  race  or  the  like,  they  had  a 
custom  to  bedeck  his  valiant  corpse  with  boughs  and  leaves  of  myrtle,  as 
in  Euripides,  Elect,  v.  510.  Whether  there  was  any  allusion  to  the  golden 
bough  of  Virgil  in  all  this,  I  will  not  say.  In  Italy  they  had  the  same 
customs  ;  for  Yarro  says  : — "  Ad  sepulchrum  feruut  frondes."  And  they 
not  only  cast  leaves  upon  the  graves,  but  also  strewed  them  with  garlands > 
as  will  appear  by  the  words  of  Minutius  Felix  to  Octavius — Coronas 
etiam  sepulchris  denegati,  &c.  See  Archaeol.  Attic.  1.  v.  'c.  32. 

39  Speaking  of  nocturnal  funerals,  an  old  writer  says  : — "  Certainly,  (in 
my  poor  opinion,  as  I  have  already  said,)  they,  i.  e.,  blank,  nocturnal 
funerals  are  unfit  for  the  noble,  who  have  ensignes  and  markes  of  honour 
to  display,  and  should  so  have  spent  theyr  time,  that  theyr  luciflorian 
deeds  should  not  need,  after  theyr  deceases,  to  fear  either  speech  or  light. 
A  custome  so  old  and  venerable,  that  Cicero,  in  his  short  commentarie 
or  annotation  upon  this  fragment  of  the  lawes  of  the  twelve  tables — Ne 
Ion  gee  corona  nee  acerra  prater  eantur,  hath  these  memorable  words — Ilia 
jam  significatio  est,  laudis  ornamenta  ad  mortuos  pertinere  ;  quod  coronam 
virtu te  partiim,  et  ei  qui  peperisset,  et  ejus  parenti  sine  fraude  esse  im- 
positam  lex  jubet.     And  to  this  honourable  rite  of  placing  the  garland 
or  crown,  which  the  deceased  Roman  gentleman  had  atchieved  by  his  ver- 
tue  and  valor,  upon  his  funeral  beare,  herse,  or  coffin,  there  hath,  here 
among  us  in  these  parts  of  the  world,  and  in  the  latter  times,  from  the 
decay  of  the  empire  of  Borne,  commendablie  succeeded  the  use  of  coats 
of  arms,  and  other  ornamental  ceremonies  at  funerals." 

«  Metam.  1.  xv. 


LECTURE    III. 

ON  THE  ADVANTAGES  ENJOYED  BY  THE  FBA.TERNITY. 
BY  MARTIN  CLARE,  ESQ.,  M.  A.,  JUNIOR  G.  WARDEN, 
1735. 

Hail  to  the  craft !  at  whose  serene  command 
The  gentle  arts  in  glad  obedience  stand  ; 
Hail,  sacred  Masonry !  of  source  divine, 
Unerring  sovereign  of  the  unerring  line  ; 
Whose  plumb  of  truth,  with  never-failing  sway, 
Makes  the  joined  parts  of  symmetry  obey  ; 
Whose  magic  stroke  bids  fell  confusion  cease, 
And  to  the  finished  orders  gives  a  place  ; 
Who  calls  vast  structures  from  the  womb  of  earth, 
And  gives  imperial  cities  glorious  birth. 
To  works  of  art  her  merit  not  confined, 
She  regulates  the  morals,  squares  the  mind  ; 
Corrects  with  care  the  sallies  of  the  soul, 
And  points  the  tide  of  passions  where  to  roll. 

CUNNINGHAM. 

THE  chief  pleasures  of  society,  viz.,  good  conversation, 
and  the  consequent  improvements,  are  rightly  presumed, 
Brethren,  to  be  the  principal  motive  of  our  first  entering 
into,  and  then  of  propagating  our  craft,1  wherein  those 
advantages,  I  am  bold  to  say,  may  be  better  met  with 
than  in  any  society  now  in  being ;  provided  we  are  not 
wanting  to  ourselves,  and  will  but  consider,  that  the 

1  A 'reverend  Brother,  belonging  to  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Alabama, 
echoes  these  sentiments.  He  says  : — "  Masonry  inculcates  morality  and 
benevolence.  She  teaches  us  to  reverence  the  name  of  God,  to  curb  ir- 
regular passions  and  appetites,  and  to  be  good  and  loyal  subjects  of  the 
government ;  but  she  does  not  profess  to  change  the  heart  and  prepare 
man  for  a  better  life,  although,  in  her  instructions,  she  directs  to  that  God 
who  can  pardon  sin,  constantly  reminding  us  that  the  same  eye  which 
watches  the  sun,  moon,  and  stars,  searches  the  inmost  recesses  of  the 
heart,  and  will  eventually  bring  into  judgment  every  thought,  word,  and 
action." 


ADVANTAGES    ENJOYED    BY    THE    FRATERNITY.       293 

basis  of  our  Order  is  indissoluble  friendship,  and  the 
cement  of  it  unanimity  ajid  brotherly-love.2 

That  these  may  always  subsist  in  this  society,  is  the 
sincere  desire  of  every  worthy  Brother  ;  and,  that  they 
may  do  so  in  full  perfection  here,  give  me  leave  to  lay 
before  you  a  few  observations,  wherein  are  pointed  out 
those  things  which  are  the  most  likely  to  discompose 
the  harmony  of  conversation,  especially  when  it  turns 
upon  controverted  points.  It  is,  Brethren,  a  very  deli- 
cate thing  to  interest  one's-self  in  a  dispute,  and  yet  pre- 
serve the  decorum  due  to  the  occasion.  To  assist  us  a 
little  in  this  matter,  is  the  subject  of  what  I  have  at 
present  to  offer  to  your  consideration  ;  and  I  doubt  not 
but  the  bare  mention  of  what  may  be  disagreeable  in 
any  kind  of  debate,  will  be  needfully  avoided  by  a  body 
of  gentlemen,  united  by  the  bonds  of  Brotherhood,  and 
under  the  strictest  ties  of  mutual  love  and  forbearance.3 

By  the  outward  demeanour  it  is  that  the  inward  civi- 
lity of  the  mind  is  generally  expressed  ;  the  manner  and 

2  Dalcho,  an  American  Grand  Master  of  Masons,  in  his  official  oration? 
(p.  19),  directs  the  Brethren  to  "  love  the  whole  human  species,  but  par- 
ticularly those  who  are  united  by  the  mystic  union.     When  the  deep 
sighs  of  poverty  assail  your  ear,"  he  continues,  "  stretch  forth  the  hand 
of  relief,  and  chase  necessity  and  want  from  a  Brother's  door.     If  afflicted 
by  misfortune,  comfort  their  souls,  and  soothe  them  to  tranquillity.     And 
if  they  are  exposed  to  danger,  give  them  your  assistance.     It  is  this  sym- 
pathy with  the  pleasures  and  pains,  with  the  happiness  and  misfortunes 
of  our  fellow-men,  which  distinguishes  us  from  other  animals,  and  is  the 
source  of  all  our  virtues." 

3  Nothing  could  have  been  better  chosen  than  this  subject  for  a  lecture 
from  a  grand  officer  in  the  infancy  of  the  new  grand  lodge,  and  when  the 
Brethren,  fresh  from  other  societies,  where  debates  were  carried  on  with- 
out regard  to  the  personal  feelings  of  the  disputants,  would  be  inclined  to 
introduce  into  Masonry  the  same  pertinacious  and  forbidding  custom, 
which  is  utterly  at  variance  with  the  fundamental  principles  of  the  craft. 
The  ancient  charges  of  Masonry  were  applied  to  counteract  this  unsocial 
practice.     Thus,  in  the  first  edition  of  Anderson's  Constitutions,  we  find 
the  following  directions  for  behaviour  in  the  lodge  : — "  You  must  not 
hold  private  committees,  or  separate  conversation,  without  leave  from  the 
Master  ;  nor  talk  anything  impertinent ;  nor  interrupt  the  Master  or 
Wardens,  or  any  Brother  speaking  to  the  chair ;  nor  act  ludicrously 
while  the  lodge  is  engaged  in  what  is  serious  and  solemn  ;  but  you  are  to 
pay  due  reverence  to  the  Master,  Wardens,  and  Fellows,  and  put  them  to 
worship.     No  private  piques,  no  quarrels  about  nations,  families,  religion, 
or  politics,  must  be  brought  within  the  door  of  the  lodge  ;  for  as  Masons 
we  are  of  the  oldest  Catholic  religion,  and,  of  all  nations,  upon  the  square, 
level,  and  plumb  ;  and,  like  our  predecessors  in  all  ages,  we  are  resolved 
against  political  disputes,  as  contrary  to  the  peace  and  welfare  of  the 
lodge." 


294  ON    THE    ADVANTAGES    ENJOYED 

circumstances  of  which,  being  much  governed  and  influ- 
enced by  the  fashion  and  usage  of  the  place  where  we 
live,  must,  in  the  rule  and  practice  of  it,  be  learned  by 
observation,  and  the  carnage  of  those  who  are  allowed 
to  be  polite  and  well-bred.  But  the  more  essential  part 
of  civility  lies  deeper  than  the  outside,  and  is  that 
general  good-will,  that  decent  regard  and  personal 
esteem  for  every  man,  which  makes  us  cautious  of  show- 
ing, in  our  carriage  towards  him,  any  contempt,  disre- 
spect, or  neglect.  It  is  a  disposition  that  makes  us 
ready  on  all  occasions  to  express,  according  to  the  usual 
way  and  fashion  of  address,  a  respect,  a  value  and 
esteem  for  him,  suitable  to  his  rank,  quality,  and  condi- 
tion in  life.  It  is,  in  a  word,  a  disposition  of  the  mind 
visible  in  the  carnage,  whereby  a  man  endeavours  to 
shun  making  another  uneasy  in  his  company. 

For  the  better  avoiding  of  which,  in  these  our  conven- 
tions, suffer  me,  Brethren,  to  point  out  to  you  four 
things,  directly  contrary  to  this  the  most  proper  and 
the  most  acceptable  conveyance  of  the  social  virtues, 
from  some  one  of  which,  incivility  will  generally  be 
found  to  have  its  rise,  and  of  consequence  that  discord 
and  want  of  harmony  in  conversation,  too  frequently  to 
be  observed. 

The  first  of  these  is  a  natural  roughness,  which  makes 
a  man  uncomplaisant  to  others  ;  so  that  he  retains  no 
deference,  nor  has  any  regard  to  the  inclinations,  temper, 
or  condition  of  those  he  converses  with.  It  is  the 
certain  mark  of  a  clown,  not  to  mind  what  either 
pleases  or  offends  those  he  is  engaged  with.  And  yet 
one  may  sometimes  meet  with  a  man  in  clean  and  fash- 
ionable clothes,  giving  an  absolute,  unbounded  swing  to 
his  own  humour  herein,  and  suffering  it  to  jostle  and 
overbear  everything  that  stands  in  its  way,  with  a  per- 
fect indifference  how  people  have  reason  to  take  it. 
This  is  a  brutality  every  one  sees  and  abhors.  It  is 
what  no  one  can  approve,  or  be  easy  with  ;  and  there- 
fore it  finds  no  place  with  those  who  have  any  tincture 
of  good  breeding — the  end  and  design  01  which  is,  to 
supple  our  natural  stiffness,  and  to  soften  men's  tempers, 
that  they  may  bend  and  accommodate  themselves  to 
those  with  whom  they  have  to  do.4 

4  This  observation  was  intended  to  illustrate  that  significant  masonic 


BY    THE    FRATERNITY.  295 

Contempt  is  the  second  thing  inconsistent  with  good- 
breeding,  and  is  entirely  averse  to  it.  And  if  this  want 
of  respect  be  discovered,  either  in  a  man's  looks,  words, 
or  gesture,  come  it  from  whom  it  will,  it  always  brings 
uneasiness  and  pain  along  wilh  it  ;  for  nobody  can  con- 
tentedly bear  to  be  slighted. 

A  third  thing  of  the  like  nature  is  censoriousriess,  or  a 
disposition  to  find  fault  with  others.  Men,  whatever 
they  are  guilty  of,  would  not  choose  to  have  their  ble- 
mishes displayed  and  set  in  open  view.  Failings  always 
carry  some  degree  of  shame  with  them  ;  and  the  disco- 
very, or  evrn  imputation  of  any  defect,  is  not  borne  by 
them  without  uneasiness. 

Raillery  must  be  confessed  to  be  the  most  refined  way 
of  exposing  the  faults  of  others  ;  and,  because  it  is  com- 
monly done  with  some  wit,  in  good  language,  and  enter- 
tains the  company,  people  are  apt  to  be.  led  into  a 
mistake,  that  where  it  keeps  within  fair  bounds  there  is 
no  incivility  in  it.  The  pleasantry  of  this  sort  of  con- 
versation introduces  it  often,  therefore,  among  people  of 
the  better  sort ;  and  such  talkers,  it  must  be  owned,  are 
well  heard,  and  generally  applauded  by  the  laughter  of 
the  standers-by ;  but  it  ought  at  the  same  time  to  be 
considered,  that  the  entertainment  of  the  company  is  at 
the  cost  of  the  person  who  is  painted  in  burlesque  cha- 
racters, who  therefore  cannot  be  without  some  uneasiness 
on  the  occasion,  unless  the  subject,  on  which  he  is 
rallied,  be  matter  of  commendation  ;  in  which  case  the 
pleasant  images  which  make  the  raillery,  carrying  with 
them  praise  as  well  as  sport,  the  rallied  person,  rinding 
his  account  in  it,  may  also  take  a  part  in  the  diversion. 

But  as  the  right  management  of  so  nice  a  point, 
wherein  the  least  slip  may  spoil  all,  is  not  every  body's 
talent,  it  is  better  that  such  as  would  be  secure  of  riot 
provoking  others,  should  wholly  abstain  from  raillery, 
which  by  a  small  mistake,  or  wrong  turn,  may  leave, 

symbol,  the  chisel,  which  demonstrates  the  advantages  of  discipline  and 
education.  The  mind,  like  the  diamond  in  its  original  state,  is  unpolish- 
td  ;  but  as  the  effects  of  the  chisel  on  the  external  coat  soon  present  to 
view  the  latent  beauties  of  the  diamond,  so  education  discovers  the  latent 
virtues  of  the  mind,  and  draws  them  forth  to  range  a  large  field  of  matter 
und  space,  in  order  to  display  the  summit  of  human  knowledge,  our  duty 
to  God,  our  neighbour,  and  ourselves. 


296  ON    THE    ADVANTAGES    ENJOYED 

upon  the  mind  of  those  who  arc  stung  by  it,  the  lasting 
memory  of  having  been  sharply,  though  wittily,  taunted, 
for  something  censurable  in  them/ 

Contradiction  is  also  a  sort  of  consciousness,  win-rein 
ill-breeding  much  too  often  shows  itself.  Complaisance 
does  not  require  that  we  should  admit  of  all  the  reason- 
ings, or  silendy  approve  of  all  the  accounts  of  things, 
that  may  be  vented  in  our  hearing.  The  opposing  the 
ill-grounded  opinions,  and  the  rectifying  the  mistakes 
of  others,  is  what  truth  and  charity  sometimes  require 
of  us ;  nor  does  civility  forbid,  so  it  be  done  with  proper 
caution  and  due  care  of  circumstance.  But  there  are 
some  men  who  seem  so  perfectly  possessed,  as  it  were, 
with  the  spirit  of  contradiction  and  perverseness,  that 
they  steadily,  and  without  regard  either  to  right  or 
wrong,  oppose  some  one,  and  perhaps  every  one  of  the 
company,  in  whatsoever  is  advanced.  This  is  so  evident 
and  outrageous  a  degree  of  censuring,  that  none  can 
avoid  thinking  himself  injured  by  it. 

All  sort  of  opposition  to  what  another  man  says,  is  so 
apt  to  be  suspected  of  censoriousness,  and  is  so  seldom 
received  without  some  sort  of  humiliation,  that  it  ought 
to  be  made  in  the  gentlest  manner,  and  couched  in  the 
softest  expressions  that  can  be  found,  and  such  as,  with 
the  whole  deportment,  may  express  no  forwardness  to 
contradict.  All  possible  marks  of  respect  and  good-will 
ought  to  accompany  it,  that  whilst  we  gain  the  argument, 
we  may  not  lose  the  good  inclinations  of  any  that  hear, 
and  especially  of  those  who  happen  to  differ  from  us.6 

6  This  was  guarded  against  by  an  earnest  charge  to  the  candidate  at 
his  initiation,  and  being  frequently  repeated,  was  likely  to  make  a  perma- 
nent impression.  In  a  charge  which  was  delivered  at  this  period,  we  find 
the  following  passage  : — "  In  the  lodge  you  are  to  behave  with  all  due 
decorum,  lest  the  beauty  and  harmony  thereof  should  be  disturbed  and 
broken.  You  are  to  be  obedient  to  the  Master  jmd  presiding  officers,  and 
to  apply  yourself  closely  to  the  business  of  Masonry,  that  you  may  the 
sooner  become  a  proficient  therein,  both  for  your  own  credit  and  for  that 
of  the  lodge Nothing  can  be  more* shocking  to  all  faithful  Ma- 
sons, than  to  see  any  of  their  Brethren  profane  or  break  through  the 
sacred  rule  of  their  Order ;  and  if  any  are  found  capable  of  doing  so,  their 
initiation  is  sincerely  regretted." 

6  This  was  symbolized  by  the  prohibition  of  metal  tools  at  the  building 
of  King  Solomon's  temple,  which  "  was  built  of  stone  made  ready  before 
it  was  brought  thither,  so  that  there  was  neither  hammer,  axe,  nor  any 
tool  of  iron  heard  in  the  house  while  it  was  in  lnii!din;r"  (1  Kings  vi.  7); 


BY    THE    FRATERNITY.  297 

And  here  we  ought  not  to  pass  by  an  ordinary,  but  a 
very  great  fault,  that  frequently  happens  in  almost  every 
dispute,  I  mean  that  of  interrupting  others  while  they 
are  speaking.  This  is  a  failing,  which  the  members  of 
the  best-regulated  confraternities  among  us  have  endeav- 
oured to  guard  against  in  the  by-laws  of  their  respective 
societies,  and  is  what  the  right  worshipful  person  in  the 
chair  should  principally  regard,  and  see  well  put  in  exe- 
cution.7 Yet  as  it  is  an  ill  practice  that  prevails  much 
in  the  world,  and  especially  where  less  care  is  taken, 
it  cannot  be  improper  to  offer  a  word  or  two  against 
it  here. 

There  cannot  be  a  greater  rudeness  than  to  interrupt 
another  in  the  current  of  his  discourse;  for  if  it  be  not 
impertinence  and  folly  to  answer  a  man,  before  we  know 
what  he  has  to  say,  yet  is  it  a  plain  declaration  that  we 
are  weary  of  his  discourse ;  that  we  disregard  what  he 
says,  as  judging  it  not  fit  to  entertain  the  society  with; 
and  is,  in  fact,  little  less  than  a  downright  desiring  that 
ourselves  may  have  audience,  who  have  something  to 
produce  better  worth  the  attention  of  the  company.  As 
this  is  no  ordinary  degree  of  disrespect,  it  cannot  but 
give  always  a  very  great  offence.3 

The  fourth  thing,  Brethren,  that  is  against  civility,  and 
therefore  apt  to  overset  the  harmony  of  conversation,  is 
captiousness.  And  it  is  so,  not  only  because  it  often 
produces  misbecoming  and  provoking  expressions  and 

emblematical  of  the  harmony  and  peace  which  subsisted  amongst  the 
workmen  in  their  respective  lodges. 

7  It  is  his  especial  duty  to  do  this  ;  for  which  reason  he  is  symbolically 
classed  with  the  two  great  luminaries  of  the  sky,  because  he  ought  to 
rule  and  govern  his  lodge  with  the  same  order  and  regularity  as  the  sun 
rules  the  day  and  the  moon  the  night.     This  duty  is  intimated  by  the 
jewel  with  which  he  is  invested.     It  teaches  him,  and  all  who  see  it  glit- 
tering on  his  breast,  to  regulate  their  actions  by  rule  and  line,  and  to 
harmonize  their  conduct  by  the  principles  of  morality  and  virtue.     And 
he  is  to  be  assisted  in  the  performance  of  his  responsible  duties  by  his 
two  chief  officers,  who  are  enjoined  to  promote  good  order  and  regularity; 
and  by  a  due  regard  to  the  laws  in  their  own  conduct,  to  enforce  obedi- 
ence to  them  in  the  conduct  of  others. 

8  Such  irregularities,  however,  are  sure  to  accompany  a  lack  of  disci- 
pline, without  an  uniform  attention  to  which  no  society  can  expect  to  be 
permanently  successful ;  and  discipline  can  only  be  supported  in  all  its 
beauty,  and  all  its  efficacy,  by  pursuing,  in  an  undeviating  course,  that 
line  of  conduct  which  is  marked  out  by  the  wisdom  of  our  superior  gover- 
nors, and  laid  down,  in  broad  characters,  in  the  book  of  constitutions. 


298  ON    THE    ADVANTAGES    ENJOYED 

behaviour  in  a  part  of  the  company,  but  because  it  is  a 
tacit  accusation  arid  a  reproach  for  something  ill  taken 
from  tlio.se  we  are  displeased  with.  Such  an  intimation, 
or  even  suspicion,  must  always  be  uneasy  to  society  ; 
and  as  one  angry  person  is  sufficient  to  discompose  a 
whole  company,  for  the  generality,  all  mutual  happiness 
and  satisfaction  cease  therein  on  any  such  jarring.  This 
failing,  therefore,  should  be  guarded  against  with  the 
same  care,  as  either  the  boisterous  rusticity  and  insinuated 
contempt,  or  the  ill-natured  disposition  to  censure,  al- 
readv  considered  arid  disallowed  of.  For  as  peace,  case, 
arid  satisfaction  are  what  constitute  the  pleasure,  the 
happiness,  and  are  the  very  soul  of  conversation  ;  if  these 
be  interrupted,  the  design  of  society  is  undermined,  and 
in  that  circumstance,  how  should  brotherly-love  con- 
tinue? Certain  it  is.  that  unless  good  order,  decency, 
arid  temper  be  preserved  by  the  individuals  of  society, 
confusion  will  be  introduced,  and  a  dissolution  will  na- 
turally, very  quickly,  follow.9 

What,  therefore,  remains  is  to  remind  the  Brethren 
that  Masons  have  ever  been  lovers  of  order.  It  is  the 
business  of  their  particular  profession  to  reduce  all  rude 
matters  to  truth.  Their  aphorisms  recommend  it.  The 
number  of  their  lights,10  and  the  declared  end  of  their 


9  To  prevent  this  result,  various  laws  have  been  at  different  times  en- 
acted by  the  Grand  Lodge.    The  general  Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of 
the  northern  States  of  America,  promulgated  at  the  latter  end  of  the  last 
century  some  excellent  practical  regulations,  which  cannot  be  too  strongly 
recommended.    "  It  shall  be  incumbent  on  the  Grand  High  Priest,  King, 
and  Scribe,  severally  to  improve  and  perfect  themselves  in  the  sublime 
arts  and  work  of  Mark  Masters,  Past  Masters,  Most  Excellent  Masters. 
and  Royal  Arch  Masons ;  to  make  themselves  masters  of  the  several  ma- 
sonic lectures  and  ancient  charges  ;  to  consult  with  each  other,  and  with 
the  Grand  High  Priests,  &c.,  of  other  States,  fwr  the  purpose  of  adopt- 
ing measures  suitable  and  proper  for  diffusing  a  knowledge  of  the  said 
lectures  and  charges,  and  an  uniform  mode  of  working,  in  the  several 
chapters  and  lodges  throughout  this  jurisdiction  ;  and  the  better  to  effect 
this  laudable  purpose,  the  aforesaid  grand  officers  are  severally  hereby 
authorized  and  empowered  to  visit  and  preside  in  any  and  every  chapter 
of  Royal  Arch  Masons,  and  lodge  of  Most  Excellent,  Past  or  Mark  Mas- 
ter Masons,  throughout  the  said  States,  and  to  give  such  instructions  and 
directions  as  the  good  of  the  fraternity  may  require,  always  adhering  to 
t/ie  ancient  landmarks  of  the  Order." 

10  The  prophet  Daniel  says  (xii.  3) : — "  Those  who  are  wise  shall  be 
shining  with  light,  and  those  who  shall  influence  others  to  do  justly,  shall 
shine  eternally  as  the  stars."     Solomon  expresses  the  same  thought  by 


BY    THE    FRATERNITY.  299 

coming  together,  intimate  the  frame  and  disposition  of 
mind  wherewith  they  are  to  meet,  and  the  manner  of 
their  behaviour  when  assembled. 

Shall  it,  then,  ever  be  said  that  those,  who  by  choice 
are  distinguished  from  the  gross  of  mankind,  and  who 
voluntarily  have  enrolled  their  names  in  this  most  ancient 
and  honourable  society,  are  so  far  wanting  to  themselves 
and  the  Order  they  profess,  as  to  neglect  its  rules?  Shall 
those  who  are  banded  and  cemented  together,  by  the 
strictest  ties  of  amity,  omit  the  practice  of  forbearance 
and  brotherly-love  Vu  or  shall  the  passions  of  those  per- 
sons ever  become  ungovernable,  who  assemble  purposely 
to  subdue  them  ? 

We  are,  let  it  be  considered,  the  successors  of  those, 
who  reared  a  structure  to  the  honour  of  Almighty  God, 
the  Grand  Architect  of  the  world,  which  for  wisdom, 
strength,  and  beauty  hath  never  yet  had  any  parallel.12 

saying,  that  "  the  head  of  the  wise  is  of  the  purest  gold."  (Cant.,  v.  11.) 
Jesus  Christ  announces  that  "  the  just  shall  shine  as  the  sun  in  the  king- 
dom of  his  Father.''  (Matt.  xiii.  43.) 

11  Or  to  express  all  in  one  word — Charity,  on  which  our  science  is 
based.  This  is  an  evident  proof,  if  we  had  no  other,  that  Freemasonry 
is  not  an  offshoot  from  the  mysteries  of  heathenism,  which  knew  nothing 
of  this  heaven-born  virtue.  They  deified  faith  and  hope,  and  many  other 
virtues  and  vices,  but  charity  was  excluded  from  their  creed.  They  had 
none  of  those  buds  and  blossoms,  and  fruit  of  charity,  which  Freemasonry 
now  possesses.  Orphan  schools,  asylums  for  the  destitute,  and  funds  of 
benevolence  were  unknown.  Not  a  single  individual  amongst  the  innu- 
merable dii  minorum  gentium,  not  even  the  bona  dea,  answer  to  the  cha- 
racter of  charity.  The  Assyrians,  and  a  few  other  nations,  had  indeed 
a  subordinate  deity,  called  Beneficium  ;  but  it  was  a  selfish  deity,  and 
worshipped  only  as  the  dispenser  of  benefits  to  the  devotee.  The  only 
approach  which  the  mythology  of  heathen  nations  made  to  this  virtue, 
was  in  the  personification  of  the  three  graces,  which  were  called  Chari- 
ties. They  were  supposed  to  preside  over  kindness  and  other  good  offices ; 
and  were  represented  naked,  because  kindnesses  ought  to  be  done  with 
sincerity  and  candour.  Their  hands  were  joined,  to  signify  that  kindness 
amongst  friends  ought  to  be  unceasing  and  perpetual.  But  this  is  a  very 
imperfect  resemblance  to  the  charity  of  our  noble  Order,  which  "  beareth 
all  things,  believeth  all  things,  hopeth  all  things." 

12  And  without  wisdom  to  contrive,  strength  to  support,  beauty  to 
adorn,  no  piece  of  architecture  can  be  completed.  These  pillars,  there- 
fore, refer  to  the  three  governors  of  the  lodge.  The  pillar  of  wisdom 
represents  the  Worshipful  Master,  whose  business  it  is  to  contrive  the 
most  proper  and  efficient  means  of  instructing  and  improving  the  Breth- 
ren in  Masonry.  The  pillar  of  strength  refers  to  the  Senior  Warden, 
whose  duty  it  is  to  support  the  authority,  and  facilitate  the  designs  of 
the  Master,  and  to  see  that  his  commands  are  carried  into  effect.  The 
12 


300  ON    THE    ADVANTAGES    ENJOYED 

We  are  intimately  related  to  those  great  and  worthy 
spirits,  who  have  ever  made  it  their  business  and  their 
aim  to  improve  themselves,  and  to  inform  mankind.13 
Let  us,  then,  copy  their  example,  that  we  may  also  hope 
to  obtain  a  share  in  their  praise.  This  cannot  possibly 
be  done  in  a  scene  of  disorder:  pearls  are  never  found 
but  when  the  sea  is  calm ;  and  silent  water  is  generally 
deepest. 

It  has  been  long,  and  still  is,  the  glory  and  happiness 
of  this  society,  to  have  its  interest  espoused  by  the  great, 
the  noble,  and  the  honoured  of  the  land.  Persons  who, 
after  the  example  of  the  wisest  and  the  grandest  of  kings, 
esteem  it  neither  condescension!!  or  dishonour  to  patron- 
ize and  encourage  the  professors  of  the  craft."  It  is 

pillar  of  beauty  is  the  Junior  Warden,  whose  duty  it  is  to  adorn  the 
work  with  all  the  powers  of  his  genius  and  industry  ;  to  promote  regu- 
larity amongst  the  Brethren  by  the  sanction  of  his  own  example,  that 
pleasure  and  profit  may  be  the  mutual  result.  Thus,  by  the  united  ener- 
gies of  these  three  representatives  of  wisdom,  strength,  and  beauty, 
Freemasonry  is  established,  firm  as  a  rock  in  the  midst  of  the  ocean, 
braving  the  malignant  shafts  of  envy  and  detraction  ;  its  summit  gilded 
with  the  rays  of  the  meridian  sun,  though  storms  may  beat  eternally  on 
its  basis. 

13  This  is  intimated  by  the  jewel  which  distinguishes  the  Senior  War- 
den. It  demonstrates  that  we  are  descended  from  the  same  stock,  par- 
take of  the  same  nature,  and  share  the  same  hope ;  and  that  though 
distinctions  among  men  are  necessary  to  preserve  subordination,  yet  no 
eminence  of  station  can  make  us  forget  that  we  are  Brethren,  and  that 
he  who  is  placed  on  the  lowest  spoke  of  Fortune's  wheel  may  be  entitled 
to  our  regard ;  because  a  time  will  come,  and  the  wisest  knows  not  how 
soon,  when  all  distinctions,  but  that  of  goodness,  shall  cease,  and  death, 
the  grand  leveller  of  all  human  greatness,  shall  reduce  us  all  to  our  origi- 
nal elements — dust  and  ashes. 

M  A  writer  in  an  American  periodical  (Bro.  H.  Brown.  Esq.,  barrister 
at  law),  thus  expresses  his  opinion  of  the  true  influence  and  operation  of 
Masonry: — "  Masonry  has  continued  to  flourish.  It  has  pervaded  almost 
every  portion  of  the  habitable  globe,  and  extended  its  salutary  influence 
to  the  distressed  in  every  climate,  unnerved  the  warrior's  arm  on  the 
shores  of  our  inland  seas,  and  converted  the  uplifted  tomahawk's  sangui- 
nary blow  into  a  fraternal  embrace.  Even  the  mighty  Tecumseh  felt  its 
influence,  and  amid  the  carnage  of  battle,  the  groans  of  expiring  victims, 
and  the  cries  of  savage  torture,  stepped  from  his  ranks  to  save  a  fallen 
foe — because  he  was  a  Brother.  And  well  it  may.  Freemasonry  regards 
no  man  for  his  worldly  wealth  or  riches.  It  is,  therefore,  the  internal 
and  not  the  external  qualifications  which  we  cherish  and  admire.  The 
hand  that  grasps  a  spade,  and  the  hand  that  wields  a  sceptre,  are 
equally  entitled  to  our  friendly  grip.  No  matter  whether  an  African  or 
an  Indian  sun  may  have  burned  upon  him — no  matter  in  what  disastrous 
battle  his  liberties  may  have  been  cloven  down — no  matter  if,  like  Laza- 


BY    THE    FRATERNITY.  301 

our  duty,  in  return,  to  do  nothing  inconsistent  with  this 
favour ;  and  being  members  of  this  body,  it  becomes  us 
to  act  in  some  degree  suitable  to  the  honour  we  receive 
from  our  illustrious  head. 

If  this  be  done  at  our  general  meetings,  every  good 
and  desirable  end  will  very  probably  be  promoted  among 
us.  The  craft  will  have  the  advantage  of  being  governed 
by  good,  wholesome,  and  dispassionate  laws  ;15  the  busi- 
ness of  the  grand  lodge  will  be  smoothly  and  effectually 
carried  on  ;  your  grand  officers  will  communicate  their 
sentiments,  and  receive  your  opinions  and  advice  with 
pleasure  and  satisfaction  ;  particular  societies  will  be- 
come still  more  regular,  from  what  their  representatives 
shall  observe  here.  In  a  wrord,  true  and  ancient  Masonry 
will  flourish ;  and  those  that  are  without,  will  soon  come 
to  know  that  there  are  more  substantial  pleasures  to  be 
found,  as  well  as  greater  advantages  to  be  reaped,  in  our 
society,  orderly  conducted,  than  can  possibly  be  met 
with  in  any  other  bodies  of  men,  how  magnificent  soever 

rus,  }A  has  lain  at  the  rich  man's  gate,  and  the  dogs  have  licked  his  sores, 
the  moment  he  enters?  a  lodge  of  Free  and  Accepted  Masons,  the  dis- 
tinctions of  wealth,  of  rank,  and  of  power,  flee  before  him,  and  he  finds 
himself  among  friends  and  Brothers,  ready  to  assist,  defend,  and  protect 
him." 

15  These  distinctions  have  not  been  withdrawn  from  the  Order.  Bro. 
Tenison,  a  celebrated  barrister  in  the  sister  isle,  said,  in  an  address  to  the 
Brethren : — "  The  higher  orders  and  well-informed  classes  were  coming 
forward  to  seek  the  honours  of  Masonry.  Why  t  because  they  were  con- 
vinced that  it  did  not  contain  anything  derogatory  to  the  dignity  of  a 
gentleman,  unworthy  the  acceptation  of  a  free  citizen,  contrary  to  the 
conscientious  scruples  of  a  believing  Christian,  or  opposed  to  that  allegi- 
ance which  is  due  to  our  sovereign  lady  the  Queen.  But,  on  the  other 
hand,  its  ordinances  and  discipline  have  been  productive  of  the  happiest 
effects,  by  cementing  in  personal  friendship  people  of  different  creeds  and 
countries,  and  uniting  in  the  sacred  sympathies  of  social  life  those  who, 
in  this  distracted  land,  would  otherwise  be  divided  through  the  discordant 
materials  of  polities  or  party.  Yes,  my  Brethren,  persons  of  property 
and  intelligence  are  now  pressing  forward  to  assist  in  the  resuscitation 
of  our  lodges,  encouraged  by  the  hope  of  doing  good,  regardless  of  the 
supineness  of  mere  nominal  Masons,  and  despising  the  hostility  of  those 
who  are  unbound  by — 

Honour's  sacred  tie,  the  law  of  kings  ; 

The  noble  mind's  distinguishing  perfection; 

That  aids  and  strengthens  virtue  where  it  meets  her, 

And  imitates  her  actions  where  she  is  not — 

would  crumble  in  the  dust  a  fabric  built  for  the  shelter  of  infant  destitu- 
tion or  aged  decay,  and  which  presents  a  common  centre,  where  all  can 
associate  without  being  disturbed  by  a  difference  of  opinion." 


302       ADVANTAGES    ENJOYED    BY    THE    FRATERNITY. 

their  pretensions  may  be.  For  none  can  be  so  amiable 
as  that  which  promotes  brotherly-love,  and  fixes  that  as 
the  grand  cement  of  all  our  actions;  to  the  performance 
of  which  we  are  bound  by  an  obligation,  both  solemn 
and  awful,  and  that  entered  into  by  our  own  free  and 
deliberate  choice  ;  and  as  it  is  to  direct  our  lives  an«l 
actions,  it  can  never  be  too  often  repeated,  nor  too 
frequently  inculcated. 


LECTURE    IV. 

ON  THE  CONNEXION  BETWEEN  FREEMASONRY  AND  RELIGION. 
BY  THE  REV.  C.  BROCKWELL,  A.  M.       PUBLISHED  1749. 

"  The  constitutions  of  the  Freemasons  have  an  extensive  circulation, 
and  the  ablest  writers,  both  in  the  last  and  present  century,  have  ex- 
pressed the  most  favourable  opinion  of  the  institution  :  while  the  most 
dignified  and  illustrious  characters,  both  in  church  and  state,  in  almost 
every  country  in  Europe,  have  given  it  a  sanction,  and  continue  to  patron- 
ize and  protect  the  regular  assemblies  of  the  fraternity." — PRESTON. 

THE  principal  intention  in  forming  societies  is  un- 
doubtedly the  uniting  men  in  the  stricter  bands  of  love ; 
for  men,  considered  as  social  creatures,  must  derive  their 
happiness  from  each  other  ;  every  man  being  designed  by 
Providence  to  promote  the  good  of  others,  as  he  tenders 
his  own  advantage ;  and  by  that  intercourse  to  secure 
their  good  offices,  by  being,  as  occasion  may  offer,  service- 
able unto  them.1 

Christianity,  in  general,  never  circumscribes  our  bene- 
volence within  the  narrow  confines  of  fortune,  profit,  or 
personal  obligation;  and,  in  like  manner,  Freemasonry 
teaches  us  not  to  restrain  our  love  to  our  next  neighbour 

1  This  is  the  very  design  of  Masonry.  Mutual  love,  mutual  instruc- 
tion, and  mutual  assistance,  form  the  substantial  basis  of  the  fabric.  It 
is  an  institution  where  virtue  is  inculcated  and  morality  rewarded.  I 
have  no  hesitation  in  saying,  that  in  addition  to  the  science  taught  by 
Freemasonry,  it  stands  unrivalled  by  any  other  institution  in  its  inculca- 
tion of  morals.  It  teaches  the  duties  which  we  owe  to  God,  our  neigh- 
bour, and  ourselves.  It  teaches  morality,  equality,  and  integrity ;  and 
also  to  speak  as  well  of  our  Brethren  in  their  absence  as  in  their  presence 
(a  most  valuable  lesson  in  these  times,)  because  when  present  they  are 
able  to  defend  themselves.  These  are  a  few  of  the  moralities  which 
Freemasonry  inculcates.  And  it  is  by  an  adherence  to  such  principles 
that  lodges  flourish,  while  decay  and  dissolution  are  sure  to  follow  a  dis- 
regard of  them !  This  is  tke  true  secret  on  which  the  prosperity  of 
Freemasonry  depends. 


304  ON    THE    CONNEXION    BETWEEN 

only,  this  being  merely  a  point  of  conveniency — nor  to 
our  acquaintance  solely,  this  being  the  effect  of  inclina- 
tion purely  to  gratify  ourselves.  We  are  not  to  car 
our  friends  only;  because  gratitude  and  common  justice 
require  even  that  at  our  hands — nor  yet  those  especially 
from  whom  we  expect  to  receive  benefit;  for  this  interest 
and  policy  will  prompt  us  to — nor  our  iclations  only,  for 
this  the  ties  of  blood  and  mere  nature  dictate — nor  are  our 
love  and  charity  liaiited  to  them  particularly  who  are  of 
the  same  church  or  opinion  with  us ;  for  by  the  very 
same  reason  that  we  are  induced  to  believe  ourselvi-s  in 
the  right,  they  may  imagine  themselves  so  too  ;  and  what 
we  may  judge  to  be  a  perfection  among  ourselves,  they 
may  condemn  as  a  blemish.  However  in  some  points, 
or  modes  of  worship,  we  may  differ  or  dissent  from  each 
other,  yet  still  the  lodge  reconciles  even  these.  There 
we  all  meet  amicably,  and  converse  sociably  together  ; 
there  we  harmonize  in  principles,  though  we  vary  in 
punctilios;  there  we  join  in  conversation,  and  inter- 
mingle interests  ;  there  we  discover  no  estrangement  of 
behaviour,  nor  alienation  of  affect  ion — we  serve  one 
another  most  readily  in  all  the  kind  offices  of  a  cordial 
friendship.  Thus  are  we  united,  though  distinguished — 
united  in  the  same  grand  Christian  fundamentals,  though 
distinguished  by  some  circumstantials — united  in  one 
important  band  of  brotherly-love,  though  distinguished 
by  some  peculiarities  of  sentiment.2 

Freedom  of  opinion  thus  indulged,  but  its  points  never 
discussed,  is  the  happy  influence  under  which  the  unity3 


8  This  constitutes  one  of  the  excellencies  of  Masonry,  and  tends,  more 
than  any  other,  to  recommend  the  science  to  the  favourable  consideration 
of  mankind.  The  absence  of  all  discussion  connected  with  politics,  i- 
the  great  peculiarity  by  which  the  Order  is  distinguished.  A  Mr- 
lodge  is  a  sanctuary  wherein  religious  discord  or  political  dissension  cm; 
iK'ver  be  suffered  to  prevail.  And  however  these  plague-spots  in  socioly 
may  vex  all  other  communities,  there  is  a  line  drawn  by  Masonry  round 
tho  external  avenues  of  the  lodge,  which  forbids  their  approach.  In  the 
ceremonial  of  opening,  which  was  used  in  the  last  century,  this  peculiarity 
was  clearly  expressed.  The  formula  distinctly  prohibited  "  all  cursing, 
swearing,  and  whispering;  all  improper,  profane,  and  unmannerly  con-? 
versation  ;  together  with  all  religious  and  political  disputes  ;  under  no 
less  penalty  than  what  the  by-laws  shall  inflict,  or  a  majority  think 
proper/' 

3  Unity  was  ever  considered  a  grand  characteristic  of  the  Order,  and 
to  preserve  it  from  innovation  it  was  ordained,  and  made  a  permanent 


FREEMASONRY    AND    RELIGION.  305 

of  this  truly  ancient  and  honourable  society  has  been 
preserved  from  time  immemorial.  And  whoever  is  an 
upright  Mason,  can  neither  be  an  atheist,  deist,  or 
libertine  ;4  for  he  is  under  the  strictest  obligation  to  be 
a  good  man,  a  true  Christian,  and  to  act  wth  honour  and 
honesty,  however  distinguished  by  different  opinions  in 
the  circumstantials  of  religion.  Upon  which  account 
Masonry  is  become  the  centre  of  union,5  and  the  means 
of  conciliating  friendship  among  men  that  might  have 
otherwise  remained  at  a  perpetual  distance  ;  causing 
them  to  love  as  Brethren,  as  heirs  of  the  same  hope,  par- 
takers of  the  same  promises,  children  of  the  same  God, 
and  candidates  for  the  same  heaven. 

We  read  that  when  Tertullus  pleaded  against  Saint 
Paul,  the  chief  accusation  whereon  he  founded  his  plea, 
was  his  being  ringleader  of  the  sect  of  the  Nazarenes — 
and  this  sect  (said  the  Jews)  we  know  that  everywhere 
it  is  spoken  against.  And  wherefore  was  this  sect  so 
spoken  against ?  Was  it  from  any  evil  they  knew  of  its 
professors?  or  from  mere  ignorance  or  blind  prejudice? 
We  find  nothing  of  the  former,  but  undoubted  proof  of 
the  latter.  And  this  I  take  to  be  pretty  much  our  case  in 
respect  to  Masonry,  as  flowing  from  the  same  corrupted 
principles.  I  have  had  the  honour  of  being  a  member  of 

article  in  the  Act  of  Union,  A.  D.  1813,  that — "  There  shall  be  the  most 
perfect  unity  of  obligation,  of  discipline,  of  working  the  lodges,  of  mak- 
ing, passing,  and  raising,  instructing  and  clothing  Brothers ;  so  that  but 
one  pure  unsullied  system,  according  to  the  genuine  landmarks,  laws,  and 
traditions-of  the  craft,  shall  be  maintained,  upheld,  and  practised,  through- 
out the  masonic  world." 

4  An  atheist  or  an  infidel  cannot,  without  a  full  renunciation  of  his 
errors,  gain  admittance  into  a  masonic  lodge.  Our  preliminary  ceremo- 
nies would  prove  a  sufficient  test  for  his  exclusion  ;  for  what  atheist 
would  be  willing  to  acknowledge  the  existence  of  a  God,  or  that  a  reli- 
ance on  his  providence  will  afford  protection  in  ail  cases  of  difficulty  or 
danger  ?  What  infidel  will  admit  the  possibility  of  a  future  state  of  re- 
wards and  punishments  ?  Both  of  which  must  be  unequivocally  acknow- 
ledged on  the  very  threshold  of  Masonry  ;  and  without  an  open  avowal 
of  these  introductory  points,  no  person  can  be  admitted  within  the  sacred 
iaclosure  of  the  lodge  as  a  candidate  for  initiation. 

6  Here  we  have  a  reference  to  that  universal  symbol,  the  point  within 
a  circle.  Nothing  can  more  clearly  express  that  "  centre  of  union."  by 
which  Masonry  is  distinguished,  it  is  the  one  institution,  which  gives 
laws  to  all  others  ;  which,  by  a  kind  of  centripetal  force,  gravitate  round 
it.  and  preserve  their  respective  distances  and.  reciprocal  movements,  as 
the  planets  of  a  system  revolve  round  the  sun. 


306  ON    THE    CONNEXION    BETWEEN 

this  ancient  and  honourable  society  many  years,  have 
sustained  many  of  its  offices,  and  can,  arid  do  aver,  in 
this  sacred  place,  and  before  the  Grand  Architect  of  the 
World,  that  I  never  could  observe  aught  therein,  but 
what  was  justifiable  and  commendable,  according  to  the 
strictest  rules  of  society;  this  being  founded  on  the  rules 
of  the  gospel,6  the  doing  the  will  of  God,  and  the  sub- 
duing our  passions,  and  highly  conducing  to  every  sacred 
and  social  virtue.7  But  not  to  insist  on  my  own  ex- 
periences, the  very  antiquity  of  our  constitution  fur- 
nishes a  sufficient  argument  to  confute  all  gainsayers;" 
for  no  combination  of  wicked  men,  for  a  wicked  purpose, 
ever  lasted  long.  The  want  of  virtue,  on  which  mutual 
trust  and  confidence  is  founded,  soon  divides  and  breaks 
them  to  pieces.  Nor  would  men  of  unquestionable  wis- 

6  It  was  the  universal  belief  of  these  early  times,  derived  from  a  much 
higher  antiquity,  that  Masonry  was  strictly  dependant  on  the  rules  of  the 
gospel.     This  principle  was  acknowledged  in  the  very  first  edition  of  the 
Ancient  Charges,  published  by  Anderson  in  1723.     The  learned  doctor 
there  says  :   "  The  Freemasons  had  always  a  book  in  manuscript,  called 
the  Book  of  Constitutions,  of  which  they  have  several  very  ancient  copies 
remaining,  containing  not  only  their  charges  and  regulations,  but  also 
the  history  of  Masonry  from  the  beginning  of  time."    He  then  gives  a 
copy  of  these  charges,  commencing  with  the  memorable  words : 

cient  times  the  Christian  Masons  were  charged  to  comply  with  the 
Christian  usages  of  each  country  where  they  travelled  or  worked."  The 
author  of  the  above  lecture,  therefore,  was  quite  correct  in  saying,  that 
speculative  Masonry  was  founded  on  the  rules  of  the  gospel  of  Christ. 

7  The  well-trained  Brother  will  immediately  recollect  that  lucid  passage 
which  instructs  him  in  the  duty  of  self-abandonment,  where  he  is  timi'lit 
to  confess  that  his  object  in  becoming  a  Mason  was  not  to  follow  the 
dictates  of  his  own  inclination,  but  to  "  rule  and  govern  his  passions,  to 
keep  a  tongue  of  good  report,  and  to  practise  silence  or  secrecy  ;  becuu.-> 
taciturnity  is  a  proof  of  wisdom,  and  an  art  of  inestimable  value,  which 
is  proved  to  be  an  attribute  of  the  Deity,  by  the  glorious  example  which 
he  gives  in  concealing  from  mankind  the  secret  mysteries  of  his  provi- 
dence.   The  wisest  of  men  cannot  penetrate  into  the  arcana  of  heaven, 
nor  can  they  divine  to-day  what  to-morrow  may  bring  forth." 

8  Thus,  so  early  as  the  year  1357,  the  Herges  and  regulations  of  Free- 
masonay  were  revised  and  meliorated,  as  an  old  record  thus  explains: 
"In  the  glorious  reign  of  King  Edward  III.,  when  lodges  were  many 
and  frequent,  the  Grand  Master  and  his  Wai-dens,  at  the  head  of  the 
Grand  Lodge,  with  the  consent  of  the  lords  of  the  realm,  then  generally 
Freemasons  ordained  :  1.  that  for  the  future,  at  the  making  or  admission 
of  a  Brother,  the  constitutions  and  proper  charges  and  monitions  should 
be  read  by  the  Master  or  Warden,  &c."     These  regulations  consist  of 
five  articles,  concluding  thus  :   "  For  this  cause,  principally,  have  these 
congregations  been  ordained,  that  as  well  the  lowest  as  the  highest  should 
V>e  well  and  truly  served  in  this  art.     Amen.     So  mote  it  be." 


FREEMASONRY    AND    RELIGION.  307 

dom,  known  integrity,  strict  honour,  undoubted  veracity, 
and  good  sense  (though  they  might  be  trepanned  into  a 
foolish  or  ridiculous  society,  which  could  pretend  to 
nothing  valuable)  ever  continue  in  it  (as  all  the  world 
may  see  they  have  done,  and  now  do),  or  contribute 
toward  supporting  and  propagating  it  to  posterity. 

As  to  any  objections  that  have  been  raised  against  this 
society,  they  are  as  ridiculous  as  they  are  groundless  ;9 
for  what  can  discover  more  egregious  folly  in  any  man, 
than  to  attempt  to  vilify  what  he  knows  nothing  of? 
At  that  rate,  he  may,  with  equal  justice,  abuse  or  ca- 
lumniate anything  else  that  he  is  unacquainted  with. 
But  there  are  some  peculiar  customs  among  us ;  surely 
these  can  be  liable  to  no  censure :  hath  not  every  society 
some  peculiarities,  which  are  not  to  be  revealed  to  men 
of  different  communities  ?  But  some  among  us  behave 
not  so  well  as  might  be  expected  :  we  fear  this  is  too 
true,  and  are  heartily  sorry  for  it :  let  us,  therefore,  every 
one  try  to  mend  one.  But  even  this  objection  is  of  no 
weight  with  a  man  of  ingenuity  and  candour;  for  if  the 
unworthiness  of  a  professor  casts  a  reflection  upon  the 
profession,  it  may  be  inferred,  by  parity  of  reasoning, 
that  the  misconduct  of  a  Christian  is  an  argument  against 
Christianity.  But  this  is  a  conclusion  which  I  presume 
no  man  will  allow  ;  and  yet  it  is  no  more  than  what  he 
must  subscribe  to,  who  is  so  unreasonable  as  to  insist  on 
the  other.10 

9  When  the  author  wrote  the  above,  he  little  thought  that,  in  his  own 
country,  zealots  would  arise  even  amongst  the  fraternity,  who  would  de- 
nounce this  pure  and  excellent  society  ;  and  yet,  in  less  than  a  century, 
we  find  a  reverend  zealot,  of  the  name  of  Bradley,  in  the  United  States, 
who  terms  himself  a  seceding  Brother,  writing  some  stupid  things  against 
the  Order,  which  he  concludes  in  these  words  :  "A  lying  spirit  is  abroad, 
and  speaks  through  all  masonic  presses,  and  this  spirit  inflames  all 
who  hate  the  truth,  and  will  make  them  wax  worse  and  worse,  till  sudden 
destruction  shall  overwhelm  these  workers  of  iniquity,  to  the  astonishment 
of  every  beholder.  Then  Masonry  will  rise  no  more  to  trouble  Zion,  and 
spread  delusion  amid  civilized  nations."  (Odiorne's  Opinions,  p.  42.) 
And  another  red  hot  bigot,  called  James  Hawker,  who  was  president  of 
the  Antimasonic  State  Convention  of  New  York,  predicted  that  ;;  Free- 
masonry has  received  its  death-blow,  and  it  will  finally  crumble  into  ruin, 
and  sink  into  oblivion.  Idle  prognostics  of  the  like  nature,  which  have 
not  been  verified  by  fact,  are  numerous  in  the  antimasonic  writings  of 
America,  and  of  which,  I  have  no  doubt,  th',  authors  are  now  heartily 
ashamed. 

wicked  lives  of  men  admitted  s«,a  av;  argument;  against  the 
12* 


308  ON    THE    CONNEXION    BETWEEN 

Upon  the  whole,  then,  it  appears  that  the  rules  of  this 
society  have  a  direct  tendency  to  render  conversation 
agreeable,  as  well  as  innocent;  and  so  to  influence  our 
practice,  as  to  be  useful  to  others,  and  profitable  to  our- 
selves ;  for  to  continue  in  amity,  and  maintain  a  fair  cor- 
respondence, to  be  disposed  reciprocally  to  all  offices  of 
humanity,  and  to  act  upon  mutual  terms  of  benevolence, 
which  are  the  characteristics  of  Christianity,  are,  likewise, 
the  cement  of  this  society.  And  how  good  it  is  to  assist, 
comfort,  and  relieve  the  oppressed,  I  need  not  now  ob- 
serve. Nor  is  it  less  obvious,  how  pleasant  it  is  to  con- 
tribute to  the  innocent  delight,  and  promote  the  lawful 
advantage  of  one  another;  and  always  to  converse  with 
security,  without  even  the  least  suspicion  of  fraudulent, 
injurious,  or  malicious  practices. 

Now,  in  order  to  cherish  and  promote  this  harmony 
within  doors  and  without,  let  us  first  lay  hold  on  the 
surest  means  to  stop  the  mouth  of  detraction,  by  en- 
deavouring to  lead  a  pure  and  unblemished  life.  Let  us 
consider,  my  Brethren,  that  not  the  reputation  of  one 
only,  but  that  of  the  whole  society,  is  affected  by  a 
Brother's  misbehaviour.  Invested  as  we  are  with  that 
distinguishing  badge,11  which  at  this  day  is  the  glory  of 
the  greatest  potentates  upon  earth,  we  should  scorn  to 

religion  they  profess,  the  wisest  and  most  judicious  establishments  might 
be  exposed  to  censure.  It  may  be  averred  in  favour  of  Masonry,  that 
whatever  imperfections  are  found  among  its  professors,  the  institution 
countenances  no  deviation  from  the  rules  of  right  reason.  Those  who 
violate  the  laws,  or  infringe  on  good  order,  are  kindly  admonished  by  se- 
cret monitors ;  when  these  means  have  not  the  intended  effect,  public  re- 
prehension becomes  necessary ;  and  at  last,  when  every  mild  endeavour  to 
effect  a  reformation  in  their  conduct  is  of  no  avail,  they  are  expelled  the 
lodge,  as  unfit  members  of  the  society."  (Preston.  Illust.  b.  i.  s.  7.) 

11  The  masonic  apron  is  said  to  be  more  ancient  than  the  badge  of  any 
other  honourable  institution.  It  was  used  before  the  Greeks  or  Romans 
had  a  name.  The  Argonautic  expedition  is  generally  believed  to  be  only 
a  figurative  account  of  the  deluge  ;  and  the  apron  is  unquestionably  older 
than  that  event ;  it  was,  therefore,  worn  before  the  establishment  of  the 
spurious  Freemasonry.  We  are  certain,  from  undeniable  authority,  that 
the  apron  was  the  first  species  of  clothing  with  which  mankind  were  ac- 
quainted, and  was  adopted  before  the  expulsion  of  our  great  progenitors 
from  the  garden  of  Eden.  When  they  had  violated  the  original  compact, 
their  eyes  were  opened  to  a  sense  of  guilt  and  shame,  and  they  saw  that 
they  were  naked.  Dececc?  suggested  the  necessary  expedient  of  covering 
themselves  with  aprons.  It  is,  therefore,  said  with  great  propriety  that 
"  the  apron  ia  iiiore  ancient  than  the  golden  fleece  or  Roman  eagle." 


FREEMASONRY    AND    RELIGION.  309 

act  beneath  the  dignity  of  the  Order.  Let  us,  then,  walk 
worthy  of  our  vocation,  and  do  honour  to  our  profession. 

Let  us  rejoice  in  every  opportunity  of  serving  and 
obliging  each  other;  for  then,  and  only  then,  are  we 
answering  the  great  end  of  our  institution.  Brotherly 
love,  relief,  and  truth,12  oblige  us  not  only  to  be  com- 
passionate and  benevolent,  but  to  administer  that  relief 
and  comfort  which  the  condition  of  any  member  requires, 
arid  we  can  bestow  without  manifest  inconvenience  to 
ourselves.  No  artful  dissimulation  of  affection  can  ever 
be  allowed  among  those  who  are  upon  a  level ;  nor  can 
persons,  who  live  within  compass,  act  otherwise  than 
upon  the  square,  consistently  with  the  golden  rule,  of 
doing  as  they  would  be  done  by.  For  among  us,  every 
one  is,  or  should  be,  another  self;  so  that  he  that  hates 
another  must  necessarily  abhor  himself  also ;  he  that 
prejudices  another,  injures  his  own  nature;  and  he  that 
doth  not  relieve  a  distressed  Brother,  starves  a  member 
of  his  own  body  :  but  then  this  relief  is  not  to  be  bestowed 
upon  the  idle,  indolent,  and  extravagant ;  but  upon  the 
unfortunate,  industrious,  successless  Brother.13 

Let  us  next  remember,  the  regulations  of  this  society 
are  calculated  not  only  for  the  prevention  of  enmity, 
wrath,  and  dissension,  but  for  the  promotion  of  love, 
peace,  and  friendship;  then  here  surely  conversation 

12  Milton  has  the  following  beautiful  allegory  on  truth  : — "  Truth  came 
into  the  world  with  her  divine  Master,  and  was  a  perfect  shape  most  glo- 
rious to  look  upon.  But  when  he  ascended,  and  his  apostles  after  him 
were  laid  asleep,  there  straight  arose  a  wicked  race  of  deceivers,  who,  as 
the  story  goes  of  the  Egyptian  Typhon  with  his  conspirators,  how  they 
dealt  with  the  good  Osiris,  took  the  vjrgin  Truth,  hewed  her  lovely  frame 
into  a  thousand  pieces,  and  scattered  them  to  the  four  winds  of  heaven. 
Ever  since  that  time  the  friends  of  Truth,  such  as  durst  appear,  imitating 
the  careful  search  that  Isis  made  for  the  mangled  body  of  Osiris,  went 
up  and  down  gathering  up  limb  by  limb  still  as  they  could  find  them." 

rj  It  will  be  recollected  that  charity,  in  its  most  restricted  sense,  when 
it  means  simply  benevolence  and  relief,  is  not  confined  to  the  act  of  giving 
money,  because  some  who  are  willing  to  exercise  it  have  none  to  spare. 
It  has  been  well  observed,  that  every  human  being  has  something  to  give. 
If  silver  and  gold  he  have  none,  he  yet  possesses  a  power  of  producing 
happiness  in  some  way  or  other.  There  is  a  variety  in  the  necessities  of 
mankind  which  affords  to  every  member  of  society  an  opportunity  of 
communicating  something,  which  some  of  his  fellow-creatures  want. 
Beneficence  is  not  confined  to  opulence.  There  is  other  indigence  besides 
want  of  bread  ;  there  ara  alms  in  every  hand ;  there  are  charities  in  the 
power  of  poverty. 


310  ON    THE    CONNEXION    BETWEEN 

must  be  attended  with  mutual  confidence,  freedom,  and 
complacency.  He  who  neither  contrives  mischief  against 
others,  nor  suspects  any  against  himself,  lias  his  mind 
always  serene,  and  his  affections  composed.  All  the 
human  faculties  rejoice  in  order,  harmony,  and  propor- 
tion ;  by  this  our  society  subsists,  and  upon  this  depends 
its  wisdom,  strength,  and  beauty.  Let,  therefore,  no 
narrow  distinctions  discompose  this  goodly  frame,  or  dis- 
turb its  symmetry.14  But  when  good  and  worthy  men 
otter  themselves,  let  them  ever  have  the  first  place  in  our 
esteem.  But  as  for  the  abettors  of  atheism,  irreligion, 
libertinism,  infidelity,  let  us,  in  the  words  of  the  prophet, 
shake  our  hands  from  them,  just  as  a  person  would  do 
who  happens  to  have  burning  coals  or  some  venomous 
creature  fastening  upon  his  Mesh.  In  si*ch  a  case  none 
would  stand  a  moment  to  consider,  none  would  debate 
with  himself  the  expediency  of  the  thing,  but  instantly 
fling  off  the  pernicious  incumbrance  ;  instantly  endeavour 
to  disengage  himself  from  the  clinging  mischief;  so 
should  every  upright  Mason  from  such  perilous  false 
Brethren. 

There  is  one  essential  property  which  belongs  to  our 
craft,  that  had  like  to  have  slipped  me,  and  which,  how- 
ever condemned,  is  highly  worthy  of  all  applause;  and 
that  is  secrecy.15  All  that  should  be  disclosed  of  a  lodge 

14  Dean  Kirwan  has  expressed  this  sentiment  beautifully.  He  says  : 
"  I  open  the  gospel ;  I  see  there  living  benevolence  uniting  the  Jew  and 
the  Gentile,  annihilating  the  distinction  of  Greek  and  barbarian,  and  de- 
livering up  to  the  execration  of  the  head  and  the  heart  every  prejudice 
and  passion  that  stood  in  the  way  of  general  union  and  felicity.  I  see  it 
pointing  out  to  man  the  greatness  of  his  origin  and  distinction  ;  the  dan- 
gers of  worldly  prosperity  ;  the  utility  of  afflictions  ;  the  merit  of  sub- 
mission and  patience  ;  the  necessity  of  rigorous  privations  ;  and  thus  kin- 
dling in  his  soul  the  glorious  ambition  of  an  imperishable  good.  I  see  it 
uniting  him  to  his  fellow  by  one  common  worship  and  one  common  hope  ; 
and  moulding  all  the  people  of  the  earth  i;:!o  the  nature  of  one  family, 
and  that  family  into  one  heart." 

16  "  Secrets,"  says  Taylor,  in  Calmet,  •'  may  be  considered  as  various. 
Some  are  known  to  a  few,  but  are  unknown  to  the  many ;  some  are  kept 
closely  a  long  time,  but  are  revealed  in  proper  season  ;  some  are  kept  en- 
tirely, totally,  and  never  are  revealed  :  some  are  of  a  nature  not  to  be  in- 
vestigated by  us ;  and  some  so  far  surpass  our  powers,  that  however 
familiar  their  effects  may  be  to  our  observation,  yet  their  principles, 
causes,  progresses,  and  distributions,  exceedingly  perplex  our  understand- 
ing, and  confine  us  to  probabilities,  inference,  and  conjecture."  Theso 
observations  will  apply  to  the  secrets  of  Freemasonry. 


FREEMASONRY    AND    RELIGION.  311 

is  this,  that  in  our  meetings  we  are  good-natured,  loving, 
and  cheerful  one  with  another.  But  what  are  these 
secrets?  Why,  if  a  Brother  in  necessity  seeks  relief,  it 
is  an  inviolable  secret,  because  true  charity  vaunteth  not 
itself.  If  an  overtaken  Brother  be  admonished,  it  is  in 
secret,  because  chanty  is  kind.  If,  possibly,  little  differ- 
ences, feuds,  or  animosities  should  invade  our  peaceful 
walls,  they  are  still  kept  secret;  for  charity  suffered! 
long,  is  not  easily  provoked,  thinketh  no  evil.  These, 
and  many  more  (would  time  permit)  which  I  could  name, 
are  the  embellishments  that  emblazon  the  Mason's  escut- 
cheon. And  as  a  further  ornament,  let  us  add  that 
aromatic  sprig  of  cassia,  of  letting  our  light  so  shine 
before  men,  that  they  may  see  our  good  works;  and  that 
whereas  they  speak  against  us  as  evil  doers,  they  may, 
by  our  good  works,  which  they  shall  behold,  glorify  God, 
and  dismiss  their  uncharitable  opinions  of  the  Order. 


LEG  T  U  R  E     V. 

ON  THE  SOCIAL  VIRTUES  OF  FREEMASONRY,  DELIVERED 
IN  THE  LODGE,  NO.  151,  AT  HELSTON,  IN  CORNWALL, 
BY  ISAAC  HEAD,  ESQ.  A.  D.  1752. 

"  In  the  lodge,  Masons  always  call  each  other  Brother,  and  the  poorest 
among  them,  even  the  serving  Brethren,  dare  not  address  them  by  any 
other  title,  although  they  may  fill  the  highest  offices  of  the  state,  or  even 
be  monarchs.  Out  of  the  lodge,  in  the  presence  of  strangers,  the  word 
Brother  may  be  dropped  ;  but  when  a  Brother  meets  a  Brother  out  of  the 
lodge,  and  no  other  person  is  present,  then  the  title  must  not  be  omitted. 
It  must  be  much  more  agreeable  to  every  Brother  to  be  called  by  that 
endearing  name,  than  to  be  addressed  by  the  title  of  your  excellency  or 
Mr.,  as  well  in  the  lodge  as  out  of  it,  when  no  strangers  are  present.  No 
one  hath  a  Brother  except  he  be  a  Brother  himself." 

FREEMASONS'  LEXICON. 

As  I  have  the  honour  of  being  distinguished  by  a  badge 
of  office  in  this  regularly  constituted  lodge,  I  have  made 
choice  of  this  opportunity  to  absure  you  that  I  will  use 
my  best  endeavours  to  execute  the  trust  which  you  have 
reposed  in  me  with  freedom,  fervency,  and  zeal:  and  I 
beg  the  favour  of  your  attention  for  a  few  minutes,  while 
I  exhort  you  to  consider,  with  a  becoming  seriousness, 
some  useful  hints  which  concern  all  of  us.  And  first,  I 
beg  leave  to  recommend  an  unwearied  diligence  and 
assiduity  in  the  great  work  wherein  you  are  immediately 
concerned;  to  be  upon  your  guard  at  all  times  and  on  all 
occasions,  especially  before  strangers,  who  will  certainly 
watch  every  opportunity  to  extract  from  you  that  secret1 

1  An  anonymous  writer  in  Moore's  Freemasons'  Magazine  (vol.  iii.  p. 
359),  well  observes — "if  you  wrench  i'rom  the  heart  of'  a  .Mason  the  se- 
cret of  his  Brother,  from  that  same  heart  you  may  blot  out  the  image  of 
iiia  'rod,  the  vows  made  to  a  confiding  wife,  or  the  duty  he  owes  tu  his 
children,  to  country  and  to  home.  The  betrayer  of  secrets  is  a  moral 
renegade,  too  foul  for  the  atmosphere  of  honour ;  he  is  the  Judas  of 
friendship,  and  the  assassin  of  character." 


ON    THE    SOCIAL    VIRTUES    OF    FREEMASONRY.        313 

which  has  for  ages  arid  generations  been  hid  from  those 
who  are  unqualified  to  receive  it.  The  proper  observ- 
ance and  diligent  execution  of  this  part  of  your  duty 
will  recommend  you  to  the  notice  of  the  world  in  general, 
and  the  regard  of  this  lodge  in  particular.2 

Be  ye  also  careful,  my  Brethren,  to  avoid  every  action 
which  has  the  least  tendency  to  brand  you  with  the  odious 
name  and  character  of  a  covetous  man,  which  our  holy 
Brother,  the  Apostle  Paul,  has  with  great  reason  declared 
to  be  idolatry.  For  what,  my  Brethren,  can  be  expected 
from  the  man  who  makes  gold  his  hope,  and  places  his 
confidence  in  his  riches?  what !  but  that  he  will  be  deaf 
to  the  cries  of  the  destitute  orphan,  and  entreaties  of  the 
distressed  widow  ?  Let  the  contrary  disposition  prevail 
with  us,  and  let  not  our  charity  be  circumscribed  within 
a  narrow  circle  ;  but,  like  that  glorious  luminary  which 
opens  the  day,  dispense  its  kindly  influence  to  all  around 
us.3  Indeed,  if  we  are  good  Masons,  we  cannot  be  cap- 

3  The  mystery  of  Masonry  has,  indeed,  in  all  ages,  been  an  object  of 
great  curiosity.  "  We  never  hear  the  word  mystery,"  says  a  modern 
writer,  "  without  thinking  of  the  old  English  term  MAISTERIES,  e.  g.,  the 
maisterie  of  the  Merchant  Taylors,  the  maisterie  of  the  cordenniers  (cord- 
wainers),  and  of  other  arts  and  trades.  In  fact,  the  term  is  still  currently 

used  in  the  city  of  London  ;  and  the  art  and  mystery  of occurs  in  the 

indentures  of  apprenticeship  used  in  most  branches  of  business  ;  meaning 
that  which  may  be  a  difficulty,  or  even  an  impossibility  to  a  stranger  or 
a  novice — to  a  person  only  beginning  to  consider  the  subject — but  which 
is  perfectly  easy  and  intelligible  to  a  master  of  the  business,  whose  prac- 
tice and  whose  understanding  have  been  long  cultivated  by  habit  and  ap- 
plication. Or,  mystery  may  be  defined,  a  secret ;  and  a  secret  will  always 
remain  such  to  those  who  use  no  endeavours  to  discover  it.  We  often 
hear  it  said,  such  a  person  holds  such  a  mode  of  accomplishing  such  a 
business  a  secret.  Now  imagine  one  who  wishes  to  know  this  secret ;  he 
labours,  he  strives,  but  unless  he  proceed  in  the  right  mode,  the  object 
still  continues  concealed.  Suppose  the  possessor  of  this  secret  shows  him 
the  process,  teaches  him,  gives  him  information,  &c.,  then  that  secret  is 
no  longer  mysterious  to  him  ;  but  he  enjoys  the  discovery  and  profits  ac- 
cordingly ;  while  others,  not  so  favoured,  are  as  much  in  the  dark  respect- 
ing this  peculiar  process  as  he  was." 

3  Our  late  Bro.  Inwood  thus  beautifully  pourtrays  this  duty. — ''  Seek 
the  cottage  of  affliction,  where  misery  reigns  with  her  iron  rod  ;  lay  the 
arm  of  masonic  affection,  which  is  the  very  arm  of  Christian  love,  beneath 
the  neck  of  thine  afflicted  Brother  ;  support  his  drooping  head,  and  cheer 
his  afflicted  heart ;  cover  him  with  the  garment  of  kindness  and  friend- 
ship ;  administer  to  him  the  cordial  cup  of  brotherly  affection ;  and  how- 
ever great  or  small  may  be  thy  ability,  always  remember  that  a  cup  of 
wine,  or  even  a  drop  of  water,  given  in  the  name,  and  with  the  heart  of  a 
Brother,  shall  in  nowise  be  forgotten." — The  French  loilge  directions  are 


314  ON    THE    SOCIAL    VIRTUES 

able  of  abusing  the  means  with  which  Providence  has 
supplied  us  to  do  good  unto  all  men,  as  opportunity  shall 
offer,  and  in  a  more  especial  manner  the  miserable  and 
distressed.  These  are  objects  which  not  only  deserve 
our  commiseration,  but  also  claim  relief  at  our  hands  ;  let 
the  grand  principles  of  brotherly-love,  relief,  and  truth 
at  all  times  distinguish  us  in  the  world,  jinu  ever  prevail 
amongst  us.  This  compassionate  temper  cannot  fail  of 
obtaining  the  love  and  esteem  of  all  good  and  wise  men  ; 
and,  what  is  of  infinitely  greater  importance,  the  appro- 
bation of  that  gracious  Being  whose  favour  is  better  than 
life.4 

Let  us  also  be  resolutely  tixed  in  the  great  duty  of 
sobriety,  and  not  suffer  liquor  to  get  the  ascendancy  of 
our  reason ;  it  is  reason,  my  Brethren,  informs  us  that 
w.e  are  creatures  every  way  adapted  to  and  litted  for 
society ;  and  that  God  has  given  us  knowledge  and  un- 
derstanding superior  to  other  beings  on  the  habitable 
globe,  who  all  tend  by  a  natural  impulse  to  answer  in 
their  respective  spheres  the  end  of  their  creation  ;  and 
shall  the  creatures  thus  fulfil,  with  the  greatest  regularity, 
the  different  purposes  to  which  Providence  assigned 
them,  and  man,  the  glory  of  this  lower  world,  pervert  the 
gracious  designs  of  his  Creator  in  appointing  proper 
liquids  to  satisfy  his  thirst,  and  exhilarate  his  heart,  by 
abusing  the  means  and  forgetting  the  end  of  their  ap- 
pointment, use  them  beyond  the  bounds  of  moderation, 
and  thereby  render  himself  equal,  I  had  almost  said 
inferior,  even  to  the  beastly  swine?  Did  we  but  rightly 
and  seriously  consider  the  many  mischiefs  to  which  this 
vice  exposes  us,  we  should  certainly  be  very  cautious  of 

somewhat  similar — "  Si  un  F  .•.  tombe  malade,  vous  le  visiterez.  S'il  est 
pauvre,  vous  le  secourrez  et  vous  tacherez  qu'il  1'iguore.  Vous  le  con- 
solerez,  vous  ferez  des  demarches  pour  lui.  Vous  le  releverez  a  ses 
propres  yeux.  Vous  empScherez  qu'il  ue  se  decourage." 

4  The  charity  or  relief  of  Masons  has  always  been  as  evident  as  their 
brotherly-love;  and  is  admitted  by  those  who  were  in  other  respects 
averse  to  the  institution.  In  a  French  work,  published  in  1 745,  with  the 
avowed  intention  of  annihilating  Freemasonry  by  the  disclosure  of  its 


pauvres 

d'etre  rapport,  e ;"  and  then  he  goes  on  to  explain  the  particulars,  which 
are  very  creditable  to  Freemasonry.  (L'Ordre  des  Francs  Algous  trahi, 
u.  191.) 


OF    FREEMASONRY.  315 

drinking  to  excess,  well  knowing  the  fatal  consequences 
which  attend  it,  that  it  lays  our  reason  asleep,  and  rouses 
the  many,  too  often,  predominant  passions  which  disturb 
the  mind  of  man.5 

And  whilst  we  are  careful  to  avoid  the  shameful  sin  of 
drunkenness,  let  us  at  the  same  time  remember  that  we 
are  in  duty  bound  to  abstain  from  another  vice,  which  is 
too  common  in  the  present  age  ;  I  mean  the  detestable 
practice  of  swearing  by,  and  invoking  the  solemn  name 
of  the  great  and  glorious  God  on  the  most  trifling  occa- 
sions.6 This  vice,  iny  Brethren,  has  not  one  motive  or 

6  However  such  directions  as  these  might  be  considered  unnecessary  in 
these  temperate  days,  they  were  not  altogether  useless  in  the  last  century, 
when  hard  drinking  was  esteemed  a  fashionable  accomplishment,  even  by 
the  best  society.  For  instance,  it  has  been  said  that  Sir  Richard  Steele 
spent  half  his  time  in  a  tavern.  In  fact,  he  may  be  said  to  have  mea- 
sured time  by  the  bottle  ;  as,  on  being  sent  for  by  his  wife,  he  returned 
for  answer,  that  "  he  would  be  with  her  in  half  a  bottle."  The  same  has 
been  said  of  that  great  genius,  Savage ;  and  Addison  was  dull  and  prosy 
till  he  was  three  parts  tipsy.  It  is  also  recorded  of  Pitt,  but  I  cannot 
vouch  for  the  truth  of  it,  that  two  bottles  of  port  wine  per  diem  were  his 
usual  allowance,  and  that  it  was  to  potent  Bacchus  he  was  indebted  for 
the  almost  superhuman  labour  he  went  through  durkig  his  short,  but  ac- 
tively-employed life.  His  friend  and  colleague,  Harry  Dundas,  after- 
wards Lord  Melville,  a  clever  man  also  in  his  way,  went  the  pace  with 
him  over  the  mahogany  ;  and  the  joke  about  the  speaker  in  his  chair, 
after  they  had  dined  together,  cannot  be  forgotten.  Pitt  could  see  no 
speaker,  but  his  friend,  like  Horace  with  the  candle,  saw  two.  Sheridan, 
latterly  without  wine,  was  a  driveller.  He  sacrificed  to  it  talents  such 
as  no  man  I  ever  heard  or  read  of  possessed  ;  for  no  subject  appeared  to 
be  beyond  his  reach.  I  knew  him  when  I  was  a  boy,  and  thought  him 
then  something  more  than  human.  The  learned  Porson  would  get  drunk 
in  a  pothouse — so  would  Robert  Burns  the  poet ;  and  Byron  drank 
brandy  and  water  by  buckets-full.  Fox  was  a  thirsty  soul,  and  drank 
far  too  much  wine  for  a  politician ;  yet,  like  Nestor,  over  the  bowl  he 
was  always  great.  A  large  collection  of  evidence  to  this  effect  may  be 
found  in  the  Bacchanalia  Memorabilia  of  Fraser's  Magazine.  It  may  be 
easily  conjectured,  that  with  such  examples  before  them,  the  Masons 
could  scarcely  be  expected  to  escape  contamination. 

6  Another  vice  was  strictly  forbidden  in  Ihe  ancient  regulations  of  the 
craft,  as  appears  from  an  old  MS.  in  the  British  Museum,  which  Mr. 
Halliwell  admits  may  be  safely  dated  in  the  tenth  century.  The  M.  M. 
will  not  be  displeased  to  find  the  prohibition  of  such  ancient  standing. 

Thou  sclml  not  by  thy  maystres  wyf  ly 

Ny  by  thy  felown.  yn  no  maner  wyse, 

Lest  the  craft  wolde  the  despyse  ; 

Ny  by  thy  felows  concubyne, 

No  more  Uiou  \voldest  he  dede  by  thyiie. 

Yef  he  forfete  yn  eny  of  hem, 

So  y-chasted  thenne  moat  he  ben  : 

Ful  mekele  care  mygth  ther  begynne, 

For  such  a  fowle  dedely  Bynne. 


316  ON    THE    SOCIAL    VIRTUES 

inducement,  that  I  know  of,  to  support  the  practice  of 
it.  Is  it  practised  by  the  great  vulgar?  It  is  forbid  by 
the  positive  command  of  an  Almighty  God,  who  is  e\«  r 
jcnlous  of  his  honour,  and  will  not  hold  any  guiltless  who 
taketh  his  holy  name  in  vain.  This  vice  is  a  scandal  to 
society,  and  degrades  the  man  below  the  level  of  the 
brutal  tribe,  who  all  join  with  the  feathered  choir  in  the 
praises  of  their  great  Creator.  Let  us,  therefore,  keep 
a  constant  watch  upon  the  door  of  our  lips.  Let  us,  if 
it  be  possible,  live  peaceably  with  all  men  ;  let  us  keep 
our  passions  in  constant  subjection  ;  by  this  means  we 
shall  be  enabled  to  demonstrate  to  the  world  that  we  are 
good  men  and  true,  that  we  aim  at  no  other  character 
than  that  of  piety  towards  (iod,  and  unfeigned  love  to 
one  another.7  Love,  my  Brethren,  is  the  bond  of  per- 
fectness ;  it  is  this  divine  temper  which  enables  us  to 
preserve  the  unity  of  the  spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace,  and 
makes  us  like  him,  who  is  the  pure  and  inexhaustible 
fountain  of  it.  Stand  fast  in  one  spirit,  and  be  perfectly 
joined  together  in  the  same  mind,  and  in  the  same  judg- 
ment ;  let  us  consider  that  this  is  a  duty  incumbent  on 
us,  that  it  is  recommended  to  our  notice  and  imitation  by 
our  great  Leader  and  Exemplar,  who  came  to  seek  and 
to  save  that  which  was  lost,  and  laid  down  his  life  even 
for  his  enemies.8  What  a  powerful  motive  and  induce- 

7  This  sentiment  is  preserved  in  the  masonic  lectures  of  the  United 
States  of  America.  In  Cross's  Chart,  (p.  41,)  we  find  the  following  : — 
"  As  our  lectures  admonish,  let  us  imitate  the  Christian  in  his  virtuous 
and  amiable  conduct ;  in  his  unfeigned  piety  to  God ;  in  his  inflexible 
fidelity  to  his  trust ;  that  we  may  welcome  the  grim  tyrant  death,  nn.l 
receive  him  as  a  kind  messenger  sent  from  our  Supreme  Grand  Mas- 
ter to  translate  us  from  this  imperfect  to  that  all-perfect,  glorious,  and 
celestial  lodge  above,  where  the  Supreme  Architect  of  the  Univt •!•>'.• 
presides." 

8 1  quote  a  beautiful  passage,  illustrative  of  the  effects  of  this  virtue, 
from  the  address  of  Bro.  Burnes,  Prov.  G.  M.,  Bombay,  in  1840.  He 
said  to  the  Brethren  of  the  Lodge  of  Perseverance,  of  which  he  was  tin* 
W.  M. :  "We  have  but  to  proceed,  my  Brethren,  in  the  goodly  structure, 
whose  foundation  is  brotherly-love;  and  if,  in  addition  to  working  toge- 
ther in  unity  of  purpose,  sinking  all  trivial  points  of  collision  in  the  great 
and  common  aim  of  advancing  Masonry  and  improving  ourselves,  we 
admit  only,  as  participators  in  our  labours,  men  under  the  tongue  of 
good  report,  well  vouched  for,  and  true;  animating  them,  by  steady  ex- 
ample, to  walk  uprightly — to  live  within  compass,  and  act  upon  the 
square  ;  and  instilling  into  them  the  great  masonic  precept  of  VEIUTATEM 
BEQUI.  BENKFICBRE  AMIS  :  to  follow  after  true  knowledge  for  just  and 


OF    FREEMASONRY.  317 

ment  have  we  in  this  unparalleled  instance  of  Divine  love 
opened  to  our  view  for  our  instruction  and  government 
in  this  state  of  trial,  unto  which  we  shall  do  well  if  we 
take  heed  as  unto  a  light  shining  in  a  dark  place.  And 
I  hope  there  is  not  one  member  of  this  community  who 
does  not  endeavour,  to  the  utmost  of  his  power,  to  dis- 
charge this  duty  as  it  behoves  every  good  and  wise  man  : 
and  that  there  are  not  any  amongst  us  who  are  riot  truly 
sensible  of  the  necessity  we  lie  under  to  fulfil  this  great, 
this  important  part  of  an  obligation,  which  is  an  indis- 
soluble bond  by  which  the  particular  members  are  united 
and  cemented  in  one  body.  Let  us  support  and  recom- 
mend this  great  and  laudable  virtue  by  examples  worthy 
the  imitation  of  mankind.  This  is  the  most  effectual 
method  we  can  pursue  to  silence  the  ill-natured  sugges- 
tions of  the  proud,  the  wicked,  and  the  vain  part  of  our 
species,  who,  though  they  are  by  no  means  proper  to 
be  members  of  our  well-governed  community,  yet  must 
by  this  means  be  induced  (as  it  were  forcibly)  to  own, 
arid  secretly  to  admire,  the  benign  influence  of  that  love 
and  unity  which  naturally  produce  peace  and  harmony 
amongst  Brethren.9 

I  must  also  beg  leave  to  recommend  a  proper  regard 
to  be  paid  to  the  laws,  constitutions,  and  orders  of  oui 

practical  objects,  and  to  do  all  the  good  they  can  to  their  fellow-crea- 
tures ;  we  need  not  doubt  that  we  shall  be  achieving  one  of  the  chief  ends 
of  our  creation  ;  and  may  humbly  hope  that  the  blessing  of  the  Almighty 
Master  will  continue  to  descend  upon  us." 

9  Under  such  a  beautiful  view  of  the  nature  and  design  of  Freemasonry, 
is  it  not  both  disgusting  and  unfair  to  hear  an  opponent,  who  has  been 
regularly  initiated,  make  use  of  such  an  argument  as  follows,  which  he 
well  knew  had  no  foundation  in  fact  ?  "  It  is  not  a  little  difficult  satis- 
factorily to  prove  anything  in  relation  to  a  topic  which  is  sometimes 
operative,  sometimes  speculative,  a  mechanic  art,  or  a  liberal  science ; 
which  is  sometimes  the  very  essence  of  Christianity,  and  sometimes  the 
way  of  wonning  the  faculty  of  magic  ;  a  religion  in  which  all  men  agree, 
and  the  art  of  foreseeing  things  to  come  ;  which,  in  fine,  bows  the  knee 
sometimes  in  solemn  invocation  to  the  Deity,  and  teaches  its  pupils  to 
become  good  and  perfect  without  the  help  of  fear  or  hope.  Such  a  far- 
rago," continues  this  author,  "  of  absurdity  is  ancient  Freemasonry  ;  and 
yet,  if  it  have  any  distinguishing  and  uniform  characteristic,  it  is  this, 
viz.,  it  acknowledges  a  God  without  the  reception  of  divine  revelation." 
(Freemasonry  by  a  Master  Mason,  p.  237.)  It  is  gratifying  to  know 
that,  when  the  excitement  was  at  an  end,  the  author  of  the  above 
work  had  the  good  sense  to  renounce  his  erroneous  judgment  of  Free 
masonrv. 


318  ON    THE    SOCIAL    VIRTUES 

most  ancient  and  honourable  fraternity,10  and  due  defer 
ence  and  respect  to  the  particular  officers  thereof  in  their 
respective  places,  whose  business  it  is  to  carry  them  into 
execution  ;  and  I  hope  the  only  contention  among  you 
will  be  a  laudable  emulation  in  cultivating  the  royal 
art,11  and  striving  to  excel  each  other  in  every  thing 
which  is  great  and  good.  Let  us  convince  the  unbeliev- 
ing multitude  that  no  private,  sordid,  or  lucrative  views 
can  ever  prevail  upon  us  to  admit  into  the  number  of 
those  who  are  acquainted  with  the  knowledge  of  our 
mysteries,  the  unworthy,  the  profane,  or  contentious  part 
of  mankind  ;12  but  that  we  will  stand  fast  in  that  liberty 
with  which  God  hath  blessed  us,  and  join,  with  one  heart, 
and  one  voice,  in  excluding  such  wolves  from  our  peace- 
able fold.  In  a  word,  let  all  of  us  endeavour,  in  our  re- 
spective stations,  so  to  regulate  our  whole  conduct,  as 
not  to  give  just  occasion  for  offence  in  anything.13  Let 

10  The  G.  M.  of  the  State  of  New  York,  in  his  annual  address  to 
the  Brethren,  June,  1843,  made  the  following  correct  observation  : — 
"  The  ancient  constitutions  and  landmarks  of  our  Order  were  not  made 
by  us.     We  have  voluntarily  put  ourselves  under  them,  as  our  jtr< 

sors  have  done  for  ages  before  us.  As  they  are,  we  must  conform  to 
them,  or  leave  the  institution — but  we  cannot  alter  them.  The  regulations 
of  the  Grand  Lodge,  which  are  made  by  ourselves,  must  be  in  conformity 
with  the  constitutions  of  the  Order." 

11  The  D.  G.  Master's  Song  embodies  this  sentiment : 

Again,  my  lov'd  Brethren,  again  let  it  pass, 
Our  ancient  firm  union  cements  with  the  glass: 
And  all  the  contention  'mong  Masons  shall  be, 
Who  better  can  work,  or  who  better  agree. 

12  Under  some  constitutions,  this  regulation  extends  to   visitors.     I  • 
the  Laws  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Texas,  it  is  provided  "  that  all  Masons 
in  good  standing,  who  can  produce  satisfactory  evidence  that  they  have 
been  regularly  initiated,  passed,  and  raised,  in  a  regularly  constituted 
lodge,  working  under  the  sanction  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  France,  or  in 
a  regularly  constituted  lodge,  working  in  the  ancientTrite  of  Heroden  of 
Scotland,  otherwise  known  as  the  Scottish   rite,  shall   be  admitted  as 
visitors,  and  may  be  affiliated  in  any  lodge  in  this  republic,  by  their  ob- 
serving the  usual  ceremony  in  such  cases  made  and  provided." 

13  "  We  are  aware,"  says  a  writer  in  the  Westmeath  Guardian,  for  May, 
1844,  "  that  many  of  the  clergy  have  objections  to  the  Masonic  Order, 
on  account  of  the  well-maintained  secrecy  of  the  institution;  and  we 
quarrel  not  with  them  on  that  point.     We  profess  not  to  know  the  mys- 
teries of  the  craft,  and,  of  course,  are  not  prepared  to  defend  them,   "it 
would  be  well  if  others,  equally  ignorant,  but  more  assuming,  observeu 
so  prudent  a  taciturnity.     We  are  only  inclined  to  think  that  an  institu- 
tion which  has  enrolled  amongst  its  members  men  of  the  highest  stand- 
ing, deepest  learning,  and  most  unimpeachable  integrity  in  all  civilized 


OF    FREEMASONRY.  319 

us  be  submissive  to  superiors,  courteous  and  affable  to 
equals,  kind  and  condescending  to  inferiors  ;  and  let  our 
whole  deportment  testify  for  us  that  we  have  formed  our 
lives  upon  the  perfect  model  of  God's  revealed  will,  ex- 
hibited to  us  in  the  Holy  Bible  ;14  that  this  book  is  the 
basis  of  all  our  craft,  and  that  it  is  by  this  piece  of  divine 
furniture,  so  essential  to  our  socijety,  that  we  are  taught 
wisdom  to  contrive  in  all  our  doings  such  means  as  may 
conduce  to  his  honor,  and  the  salvation  of  our  immortal 
souls  ;  strength  to  support  us  in  all  difficulties  and  dis- 
tresses ;  and  beauty  to  polish  the  rough  unhewn  block 
of  the  mere  natural  man,  and  bring  it  into  the  likeness 
of  our  Maker.15  Let  us  run  with  patience  the  race  that 
is  set  before  us,  and  by  an  unwearied  perseverance  in 
well-doing,  put  to  silence  the  ignorance  and  malice  of 
foolish  men  ;  and  the  wise  and  great  will  think  it  no 
disparagement  to  be  influenced  by  our  example,  when 
we  shall  let  our  light  shine  before  men,  that  they,  seeing 
by  our  good  works,  may  be  also  induced  to  glorify  the 

communities,  nay,  which  monarchs  even  have  not  deemed  it  beneath  their 
lofty  lineage  to  join,  cannot  contain,  in  its  code  of  rules,  anything  that  is 
vicious  in  theory,  or  pernicious  in  practice." 

14  An  American  writer  regrets  that  there  should  be  found,  in  the  ranks 
of  Masonry,  men  that  profess  to  reverence  the  Holy  Bible,  and  yet  do 
daily  what  the  Bible  forbids,  and  then  excuse  themselves  by  saying, "  Ma- 
sonry is  not  a  Christian  institution."  These  constitute  a  class  of  enemies, 
far  worse  than  any  other  with  which  the  institution  has  to  contend.  From 
an  unwillingness  to  expel  them  from  the  lodge,  and  from  a  hope  of  being 
instrumental  in  their  reformation,  they  have  frequently  been  retained,  till, 
by  their  improper  conduct,  the  Order  has  been  brought  into  disrepute,  and 
many  worthy  persons  prevented  from  entering  into  it.  "  The  truth  is," 
this  writer  continues,  "  no  one,  I  firmly  believe,  can  be  a  good  Mason, 
unless  he  be  a  good  Christian  ;  and  every  good,  experimental,  and  prac- 
tical Christian,  is,  in  principle  and  practice,  a  Mason  ;  though,  it  may 
be,  he  is  entirely  unacquainted  with  the  peculiar  arts  and  mysteries  of 
Masonry."  (Masonic  Mirror,  vol.  ii.,  p.  2.) 

16  This  is  a  beautiful  illustration  of  the  manner  in  which  the  pillars  that 
support  the  lodge  are  strengthened  and  furnished  with  vitality  by  the 
First  Great  Light ;  and  shows  how  applicable  Freemasonry  is  to  the 
Christian  system  of  salvation.  When  would  Jewish  Masonry,  or  even 
the  law  of  Moses  itself,  teach  anything  which  would  be  adopted  on  the 
consideration  that  it  would  lead  to  happiness  in  another  world  ?  The 
religion  of  the  Jews  was  limited  to  temporal  rewards,  and  there  appears 
considerable  doubts  whether  they  were  acquainted  with  the  d'octrine  of  a 
future  state.  It  is  evident  that  a  great  and  influential  party  amongst 
them  absolutely  denied  it ;  and,  therefore,  when  an  eminent  Mason  applies 
the  symbols  of  the  craft,  as  above,  to  promote  the  work  of  salvation,  it  is 
evident  that  he  makes  them  subservient  to  the  purposes  of  Christiamiy. 


320        ON    THE    SOCIAL    VIRTUES    OF    FREEMASONRY. 

Supreme  and  Almighty  Architect  of  the  universe.  Let 
us  approve  ourselves  faithful  stewards  of  those  tilings 
committed  to  our  charge,  that  whensoever  it  shall  please 
our  great  Creator  to  demand  of  us  an  account  of  those 
talents  which  He,  in  his  infinite  wisdom,  has  thought  fit 
to  bestow  upon  us,  we  may  be  found  ready  to  render  it 
up  with  joy,  may  have  our  loins  girded  up,  and  our  lights 
burning,  and  we  ourselves  be  as  men  waiting  for  the 
kingdom  of  God,  and  in  that  morning  when  the  Sun  of 
Righteousness  shall  arise  with  healing  on  his  wings,  we 
may  be  allotted  to  a  house  not  made  with  hands,  in  the 
happy  regions  of  eternal  day — may  hear  this  welcome 
salutation  of  the  Redeemer  in  the  presence  of  men  and 
angels — "Well  done,  thou  good  and  faithful  servant; 
thou  hast  been  faithful  in  a  few  things ;  I  will  make  thee 
ruler  over  many  things :  enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy 
Lord."16  0  happy  day  !  when  the  faithful  shall  outlive 
the  world  and  all  its  fading  glories,  shall  see  the  sun, 
moon,  arid  stars  obliterated  from  the  concave  of  heaven, 
and  himself  employed,  swallowed  up  in  the  never-fading 
glories  of  a  boundless  eternity. 

16  Here  we  have  a  full  exemplification  of  the  happy  results  of  Christian 
Masonry,  when  it  is  practised  through  the  influence  of  the  theological 
virtues.  Those  who  are  sceptical  as  to  its  Christian  reference,  seeing  the 
dilemma  in  which  they  are  placed  by  the  existence  of  these  virtues  in 
Masonry,  meet  the  difficulty  by  questioning  their  right  to  be  classed 
amongst  the  symbolical  illustrations  of  the  craft.  But  there  would  be 
many  other  things  to  dispose  of,  before  the  direct  Christian  references 
could  be  got  rid  of.  The  numerous  types  of  Christ  must  be  struck  out ; 
the  G.  A.  0.  T.  U.  must  be  expelled  ;  the  text,  "  seek,  and  ye  shall  find," 
etc.,  must  be  expunged ;  the  two  St.  Johns,  the  great  parallels  of  the 
Order,  must  be  renounced  ;  and  the  Vale  of  Jehoshaphat,  with  its  Chris- 
tian allusions,  must  be  cast  overboard ;  for  all  these,  and  many  more, 
were  contained  in  the  earliest  lectures  known. 


LECTURE    VI. 

A    SEARCH    AFTER    TRUTH.        DELIVERED    AT    GLOUCESTH  IS 
BEFORE    THE    LODGE,    NO.    95.       A.  D.  1 752. 

"  As  sometimes  Democritus  said,  the  truth  lyeth  in  pro  (undo  and  in 
abdito,  dark  and  deep  as  the  bottom  of  a  pit ;  it  will  1  ake  some  time, 
yea,  and  cunning,  too,  to  find  it  out,  and  bring  it  to  light." — BISHOP 
SANDERSON. 

"  The  greatest  of  characters,  no  doubt,  would  be  he  who,  free  from  all 
trifling  accidental  helps,  could  see  objects  through  one  grand  immutable 
medium,  always  at  hand,  and  proof  against  illusion  and  time,  reflecting 
every  object  in  its  true  shape  and  colour,  through  all  the  fluctuations  of 
things. ' ' — LA  VATER. 

THERE  is  a  tendency  towards  knowledge  in  every 
mind.  The  reason  of  man  is  still  active  and  fruitful, 
still  in  pursuit  of  wisdom,  and  fitted  for  generous  and 
enlarged  ideas ;  it  should  be  our  business,  therefore,  to 
find  out  our  own  peculiar  bent,  and  then  to  give  it  a 
proper  culture  and  polish.1  For  arts  and  sciences  are 

1  This  able  address  was  doubtless  occasioned  by  the  peculiar  circum- 
stances in  which  Freemasonry  was  placed  at  that  particular  period.  The 
author,  whose  name  has  escaped  my  researches,  had  evidently  in  view, 
when  he  urged  the  Brethren,  with  such  earnestness  and  zeal,  to  persevere 
in  their  search  after  Truth,  the  unhappy  divisions  which  deformed  the 
continental  Masonry,  and  brought  on  those  heavy  proscriptions  which 
impeded  its  progress  in  many  European  countries.  The  prince,  Charles 
Edward  Stuart,  after  his  ineffectual  attempt  upon  the  crown  of  England, 
appears  to  have  given  himself  up  to  the  delusions  of  the  fabricated  de- 
grees of  Masonry,  and  the  adventurers,  who  innundated  France  and  Ger- 
many, found  in  him  a  ready  patron.  Ramsay  in  the  former  country,  and 
Hunde  in  the  latter,  carried  on  their  respective  systems  under  his  patron- 
age ;  and  the  name  of  Masonry  soon  became,  which  it  was  never  intended 
to  be,  associated  with  magic,  theosophy,  alchymy,  the  raising  of  spirits, 
and  the  discovery  of  hidden  treasures.  Rumours  of  its  unpopularity  under 
the  ban  of  the  Pope,  the  council  of  Berne,  and  the  King  of  France, 
reached  this  country,  and  the  Lodges  were  cautioned  against  the  admis- 
sion of  innovations  in  the  regularity  of  their  proceedings.  A  grand  lodge 


A    SEARCH    AFTER    TRUTH. 

not   attained   instantaneously;    muling,    contemplation, 
variety  of  objects,  and  diversity  of  conversation,  arc  ne- 
cessary rightly  to  inform  our  judgment,  and  to  enlarL'e. 
our  sense  of  things;    these  are  the  channels  by   which 
knowledge  is  conveyed,  by  which  the  inward  vigour  of 
our  souls,  though  variously  exerted,  not  only  forms  the 
hero,  the  patriot,   the  saint,  and  the  philosopher,   but 
also  the    husbandman   and   the    mechanic ;    and    hence 
arise  true  wisdom,  strength,  and  beauty,  in  all  our  de- 
signs.2    For  knowledge  and  application,  or  industry,  are 
like  two  parallel  lines,  they  are  always  progressive  and 
equidistant,  and,   though  they  are    both    generated    by 
points,  may  be  potentially,  though  not  practically,  con- 
tinued ad  infi?iit(tm.3     We  find  that  it  was  some  centuries 
before  the  alphabet,  brought  by  Cadmus  out  of  Phoenicia 
into  Greece,  consisting  only  of  sixteen  letters,  was  per- 
fected into  that  of  twenty-four  ;  ami '  that  the  Egyptians, 
whom  the  scriptures  allow  to  be  skilled  and  mighty  in 
wisdom,  and  whom  profane  authors  unanimously  testify 
to  have  been  the  parents  of  all  philosophical  knowledge, 
knew  no  more  of  geometry  than  plain  measuring,  and 
such  rules  as  were  in  common  use  to  them  in  particular, 
because  the  bounds  of  their  lands  were  annually  disturb- 
ed by  the  overflowing  of  the  Nile;  perhaps,  in  time,  a 
further  contemplation  of  their  drafts  and  figures  helped 
them  to  discover  many  excellent  and  wonderful  proper- 
was  convened  for  the  revision  of  the  constitutions  ;  and  it  was  provided 
that  "  the  Grand  Master,  with  his  deputy,  Grand  Wardens,  and  Secretary, 
shall,  at  least  once,  go  round  and  visit  all  the  lodges  about  town,  during 
his  mastership,"  for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  whether  any  irregulari- 
ties were  practised  in  the  symbolical  lodges,  because  the  masonic  authori- 
ties of  this  country  were  determined  to  avoid  the  evils  which  accompanied 
the  continental  deviations  from  pure  masonic  truth. 

8  The  author  introduces  the  supporting  pillars  of  Masonry  very  ju- 
diciously, at  the  commencement  of  his  discourse,  as  the  immoveable 
foundation  on  which  his  reasoning  is  to  be  built ;  for,  in  the  figurative 
language  of  the  craft,  without  wisdom  to  contrive,  strength  to  support, 
and  beauty  to  adorn,  no  piece  of  architecture  can  be  esteemed  perfect, 
whether  it  be  a  temple,  a  palace,  a  literary  composition,  or  an  entire 
science.  Freemasonry,  as  an  universal  system,  is  supported  by  these  pil- 
lars, and  so  is  an  individual  lodge.  The  Doric,  Ionic,  and  Corinthian 
columns  support  the  literal  building,  while  their  representatives,  wisdom 
strength,  and  beauty  uphold  the  speculative  edifice  ;  and  lead  the  indus- 
trious and  obedient  Brother  to  a  building  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in 
the  heavens. 

a  Herod,  lib.  v.  *  Acts,  vii.  22,  and  1  Kings,  iv.  30. 


A    SEAltCH    AFTER    TRUTH.  323 

ties  belonging  to  them,  which  speculations  were  con- 
tinually improving;  but  they  were  entire  strangers  to 
those  more  abstruse  theorems  and  analytical  methods 
which  were  afterwards  known.  Most  of  the  Jews,  in 
the  time  of  David,  and  part  of  Solomon's  reign,  were  so 
ignorant  of  the  liberal  sciences,  that  the  building  of  the 
temple  was  chiefly  owing  to  the  skill  of  Tyrian  work- 
men,5 and  in  particular  to  the  superior  knowledge  of  a 
Master  of  our  ancient  fraternity,  whom  Solomon  made 
overseer  of  all  the  artists;6  the  son  of  a  woman  of  the 
daughters  of  Dan,  and  his  father  was  a  man  of  Tyre, 
skilful  to  work  in  gold,  in  silver,  in  brass,  in  iron,  in 
stone,  and  in  timber;  in  purple,  in  blue,  in  fine  linen, 
and  in  crimson  ;  also  to  grave  any  manner  of  graving, 
and  to  find  out  every  device  which  should  be  put  unto 
him.  The  wisest  of  kings  was  not  ashamed  to  receive 
his  assistance,  to  seek  for  knowledge  wherever  she  might 
be  found,  and  to  make  a  proper  use  and  improvement  of 
it.  And,  indeed,7  Solon,  Plato,  and  Pythagoras,8  and 
from  them  the  Grecian  literati  in  general,  in  a  great 
measure,  were  obliged  for  their  learning  to  Masonry,  and 
the  labours  of  some  of  our  ancient  Brethren.9  They  fetched 

6  It  is  a  common  error  to  ascribe  the  building  of  the  temple,  and  con- 
sequently the  promulgation  of  Operative  Masonry,  to  the  Jews  ;  for  they 
were  profoundly  ignorant  of  the  art.  It  was  the  Tyrians — -the  Dionysiacs 
• — that  erected  that  superb  edifice,  and  after  it  was  completed,  carried  the 
art  and  mystery  of  Masonry  into  every  region  of  the  globe.  About  two 
hundred  and  fifty  years  after  that  event,  we  find  corporations  of  architects 
existing  under  the  patronage  of  Numa  Pompilius,  the  second  King  of 
Home.  The  evidences  of  the  transactions  of  these  colleges  are  lament- 
ably deficient ;  but  there  is  quite  enough  to  show  that  they  were  con- 
ducted on  the^ame  principle  as  the  masonic  lodges  of  the  present  day. 

6  2  Chron.  ii.  14. 

7  Herod,  lib.,  i.  Plutarch  vit.  Sol.  Disc,  sur  la  Myth,  des  Auc.  p. 
Eamsay,  p.  16. 

8  Mr.  Clinch,  in  his  Essay  on  Freemasonry,  published  in  the  Autho- 
logia  Hibernica  for  1794,  has  enumerated,  at  great  length,  the  points  of 
resemblance  between  Freemasonry  and  the  system  of  Pythagoras ;  but 
though  he  has  been  successful  in  pointing  out  a  remarkable  coincidence 
between  them,  he  has  no  authority  for  concluding  that  the  former  origi- 
nated from  the  latter. 

9  Many  of  our  Brethren  are  in  doubt  whether  Freemasonry  was  derived 
from  the  heathen  mysteries,  or  the  mysteries  from  it.    "  I  have  a  notion," 
says  Professor  Robison,  "  that  the  Dionysiacs  of  Ionia  had  some  scientific 
secrets,  viz., .all  the  knowledge  of  practical  mechanics  which  was  employed 
by  the  architects  and  engineers,  and  that  they  were  really  a  masonic  fra- 
ternity."    Bro.  Knapp,  in  a  work  entitled  the  Genius  of  Masonry,  or  a 

13 


324  A  SEARCH  AFTER  TRUTH. 

their  knowledge  from  afar,  and  borrowed  their  philosophy 
from  the  inscriptions  of  Egyptian  columns,  and  the  hiero- 
glyphical  figures  of  the  sacred  pillars  of  Hermes.  And 
we  are  told10  that  the  Babylonians  kept  their  astronomi- 
cal observations  engraven  on  bricks  ;n  and  Democritus 
is  said  to  have  transcribed  his  moral  discourses  from  a 
Babylonish  pillar  ;12  not  to  insist  upon  the  use  of  those 

Defence  of  the  Order,  on  a  view  of  the  late  discoveries  in  Egypt,  says  : — 
"  These  distinguished  men,"  meaning  Champollion  and  others,  "  who  have 
embarked  with  so  much  of  that  zeal  which  is  necessary  for  the  accom- 
plishment of  any  great  object,  will,  we  trust,  be  permitted  to  draw  aside  the 
veil  of  Isis,  which  has  covered  her  mysteries  so  long  that  the  world  began 
to  despair  of  ever  seeing  the  glories  it  concealed.  Behind  this  veil  I  have 
long  thought  was  concealed  our  masonic  birth.  I  now  fully  believe  it. 
There  was  the  cradle  of  Masonry ;  no  matter  by  what  name  it  was  called  ; 
no  matter  by  whom  it  was  employed."  Fellows  was  of  the  same  opinion. 
He  says  : — "I  will  endeavour  to  unravel  the  intricate  \vel>  in  which  the 
mystery  of  Freemasonry  is  involved,  by  tracing  it  back  to  its  source  ;  and 
by  showing  its  intimate  connection  and  similitude  to  institutions  more 
ancient,  put  it  beyond  a  doubt,  that  it  sprang  from,  and  is  a  continuation 
of,  the  rites  and  ceremonies  observed  in  those  establishments  (the  heathen 
mysteries)."  And  in  another  place  he  says  : — "  I  conceive  it  (Freema- 
sonry) to  be  no  other  than  the  forms  and  ceremonies  of  the  ancient  pa-jan 
religion."  A  learned  and  practical  Brother  writes  to  me  thus  : — '•  T 
can  be  no  doubt  that  the  ceremonials  still  used  in  the  Jirtt  ilr^rec^  have 
been  founded  on  the  ancient  Egyptian  and  Eleusinian  religious  mysteries  ; 
and  it  is  probable  that  in  Egypt  and  Eleusis  the  members  were  not  Opera- 
tive, but  Speculative  Masons.  But  our  knowledge  of  these  degrees  is 
understood  to  have  come  to  us  through  the  Dionysian  artificers  who 
assisted  at  Solomon's  temple,  and  who  merely  adopted  the  secret  religious 
ceremony  as  a  mode  of  receiving  individuals  into  their  architectural  fra- 
ternity— a  means  towards  an  end."  Now.  in  opposition  to  the  above 
reasoning,  it  is  a  fact  universally  admitted,  that  the  idolatrous  mysteries 
sprang  up  in  the  time  of  Nimrod,  and  were  evidently  modelled  on  a  plan 
which  had  preceded  them.  They  were  founded  on  the  principle  of  e.\a!f 
ing  the  creature  on  the  prostration  of  the  Creator ;  and  the  crafty  hiero- 
phants,  termed  indifferently  the  Cabiri,  the  Corybantes,  the  Idei  Dactyl i. 
incessantly  devoted  to  this  purpose,  travelled  over  the  known  world  to 
reorganize  the  celebrations  of  every  colony,  to  elevate  themselves  into 
objects  of  religious  commemoration,  and  to  stamp  the  mysteries  with  a 
character  productive  of  .every  revolting  and  impious  practice.  It  is  true, 
they  imitated  Masonry  in  the  mechanical  outline,  yet  they  could  never 
emulate  its  purity,  because  they  rejected  its  fundamental  principle — the 
knowledge  and  acknowledgment  of  a  true  and  only  God. 

10  Pliu.  lib.  vii.  »  Clem.  Alex.  lib.  i. 

'•  The  most  ancient  way,''  says  Stillingfleet,  "  of  preserving  any  mo- 
numents of  learning  in  those  elder  times,  was  by  inscriptions  on  pillars, 
especially  among  the  Egyptians,  as  is  evident  from  the  several  testimonies 
of  Galen,  Proclus,  lamblichus,  and  the  author  of  the  book  called  Sapien- 
tia  secundum  Egyptios,  adjoined  to  Aristotle,  who  all  concur  in  this,  that 
whatever  laudable  invention  they  had  among  them,  it  was  inscribed  on 


SEARCH  AFTER  TRUTH.  325 

which  Seth  (according  to  Joseph  us)13  erected,  the  one  of 
brick,  and  the  other  of  stone,  upon  which  he  engraved 
his  astronomical  inventions,  so  that  neither  fire  nor  water 
might  consume  them,  understanding,  from  a  prediction 
of  Adam,  that  there  would  be  a  general  destruction  of 
all  things,  once  by  the  violence  and  multitude  of  waters, 
and  once  by  the  rage  of  fire.34  Therefore,  let  no  one 
ever  presume  to  think  himself  perfect  in  wisdom,  but  let 
us  continually  endeavour  to  attain  higher  degrees,  by 
every  lawful  and  laudable  method,  to  go  step  by  step  in 
a  regular  manner,  and  readily  to  make  use  of  all  those 
advantages  the  labours  and  studies  of  others  generously 
afford  us.15  Inquire,  therefore,  I  pray  thee,  of  the  former 
age,  and  prepare  thyself  to  the  search  of  their  fathers ; 
shall  not  they  teach  thee,  and  tell  thee,  and  utter  words 
out  of  their  heart?16  I  said  I  will  be  wise,  but  it  was 
far  from  me ;  that  which  is  far  off  and  exceeding  deep 
who  can  find  out?  But  yet,  let  us  use  our  endeavours, 
aod  let  nothing  discourage  us  to  fetch  our  knowledge, 
though  from  afar,  still  remembering  to  ascribe  righteous- 
ness to  our  Maker. 

From  these  considerations  it  will  appear  that  man  has 
a  natural  right  to  indulge  speculation,  and  make  re- 
searches after  truth;17  under  this  restriction,  that  he  does 

some  pillars,  and  those  preserved  in  their  temples,  which  were  instead  of 
libraries  to  them."  (Orig.  Sacr.  b.  i.  c.  2.)  Homer  says  :  "  they  had  also 
pillars  or  obelisks,  on  every  side  os  which  was  delineated  the  whole  of 
their  knowledge."  The  same  thing  may  be  found  in  Eusebius.  (Hist. 
Syn.  c.  2.)  He  says,  that  the  Greeks  received  their  knowledge  from  the 
Atlantiaus,  who  left  it  in  that  country  engraven  on  pillars  and  obelisks. 

13  Joseph,  lib.  i. 

14  The  ancient  masonic  tradition  of  this  event,  as  we  learn  from  an  old 
MS.  in  the  British  Museum,  is  as  follows  : — After  giving  an  account  of 
the  children  of  Lamech,  the  writer  goes  on  to  say: — ''These  children 
knew  that  God  would  take  vengeance  for  sin  either  by  fire  or  water ; 
wherefore  they  did  write  these  (the  seven  liberal)  sciences  on  two  pillars 
of  stone,  that  they  might  be  found  after  that  God  had  taken  vengeance ; 
the  one  was  of  marble,  and  would  not  burn  ;  the  other  was  latres  (brick) 
and  would  not  drown,  or  perish  by  water ;  so  that  the  one  would  be  pre- 
served and  not  consumed,  if  God  would  that  any  people  should  live  upon 
the  earth." 

16  Job  viii.  8 — 10.  ia  Eccles.  vii.  23. 

17  A  search  after  truth  is  the  peculiar  employment  of  Masons  at  their 
periodical  meetings ;  and,  therefore,  they  describe  it  as  a  divine  attribute, 
and  the  foundation  of  every  virtue.     To  be  good  men  and  true,  is  the  first 
lesson  we  are  taught  in  Masonry.     On  this  theme  we  contemplate,  and 


326  A    SEARCH    AFTEll    TRUTH. 

not  exercise  himself  in  inquiries  that  surpass  his  facal- 
ties,  but  in  those  adapted  to  his  c;ip;iciry;  with  ;in  intent 
to  improve,  to  the  best  advantage;,  whatever  he  is  capa- 
ble of  knowing;  by  joining  in  the  language  both  of 
heaven  and  earth,  and  of  the  whole  universe,  which, 
with  one  common  voice,  proclaim  the  glory  of  God. 

God  has  created  nothing  in  vain,  but  has  established 
the  most  exact  agreement  and  fitness  between  every 
faculty  and  its  object.  He  has  granted  somewhat  to 
answer  all  our  passions.  As  he  has  created  us  subject  to 
hunger  and  thirst,  so,  at  the  same  time,  he  amply  provided 
us  wherewith  to  gratify  these  two  appetites.  It  is  the 
nature  of  the  soul  to  think ;  and  it  is  not  to  be  supposed 
that  he  has  left  this  natural  passion,  this  strong  desire  of 
knowledge,  without  some  attainable  ends :  therefore,  man 
has  certainly  a  natural  right  to  inquire  after  those  ends  ; 
and,  upon  inquiry,  we  shall  find  that  they  are  properly 
varied  and  diversified,  so  as  to  answer  the  various  genii, 
or  inclinations,  of  men's  minds,  whether  they  have  a 
more  peculiar  turn  to  the  useful  arts,  or  to  the  more  ab- 
stract and  deep  researches  of  learning  and  science.  The 
same  earth  answers  the  inquiries  both  of  the  husbandman 
and  geometrician,  and  the  same  heavens,  those  of  the 
sailor  and  astronomer. 

Besides,  the  study  and  contemplation  of  truth  is  abso- 
lutely necessary  for  us  in  this  mortal  state ;  by  this  our 
hearts  are  improved,  our  manners  are  regulated,  and 
society  enriched.  How  useful  was  this  to  the  various 
nations  of  Asia  in  the  more  early  ages  of  the  world, 
and  how  much  reason  have  they  to  lament  the  want  of  it 
now!18  Then  they  were  polite  and  cultivated,  now  ig- 

by  its  dictates  endeavour  to  regulate  our  conduct ;  influenced  by  this 
principle,  hypocrisy  and  deceit  are  unknown  in  the  lodge;  sincerity  ami 
plain  dealing  distinguish  us  ;  while  the  heart  and  tongue  joing  in  promot- 
ing the  general  welfare,  and  rejoicing  in  each  other's  prosperity. 

•  If  antiquity  merits  our  attention,  and  demands  our  reverence," 
says  Dr.  Dodd,  in  his  celebrated  Oration,  A.  D.  1775,  -  where  will  the 
society  be  found  that  hath  an  equal  claim.  Masons  are  well  informed, 
from  their  own  private  and  interior  records,  that  the  building  of  Solo- 
mon's temple  is  an  important  era  from  whence  they  derive  many  myste- 
ries of  their  art,  Now,  be  it  remembered,  that  this  great  event  took 
place  above  a  thousand  years  before  the  Christian  era ;  and  consequently 
more  than  a_  century  before  Homer,  the  first  of  the  Grecian  poets,  wrote. 
and  about  live  centuries  before  Pythagoras  brought  from  the  East  his 
sublim  system  of  masonic  instruction,  to  illuminate  our  Western  World.'' 


A  SEARCH  AFTER  TRUTH.  327 

uorant  and  barbarous.  Methodical  rules  of  proportion 
and  exactness  of  symmetry  not  only  strongly  appeared 
in  their  architecture,  painting,  and  sculpture,  but  was  as 
visible  also  in  their  civil  affairs.  And  it  is  to  man's  dili- 
gence, and  his  careful  pursuit  and  inquiry  after  things, 
that  we  are  now  indebted  for  a  thousand  advantages  that 
escaped  the  discovery  of  former  ages.  By  this  the  mag- 
net directs  the  sailor  more  surely,  even  time  itself  is 
measured  more  accurately,  and  new  wonders  are  daily 
discovered  by  the  help  of  our  glasses,  among  God's 
works  in  the  heavens  arid  on  the  earth.19  We  shall  find 
also  that  Providence  seems  to  direct  this  active  principle 
to  be  continually  employed,  since  all  contrivances  are 
not  hit  upon  at  once ;  but  some  were  owing  to  curious 
researches  of  former  ages,  some  reserved  for  these  latter 
times,  and  some  quasita  yet  remain  for  future  genera- 
tions. 

But,  as  the  eye  is  not  satisfied  with  seeing,  nor  the 
ear  filled  with  hearing,20  as  hunger  and  thirst,  though 
they  are  daily  gratified,  daily  return,  so  this  passion,  this 
desire  of  knowledge,  though  it  is  delighted  with  the  dis- 
covery of  every  new  truth,  yet  still  seems  to  be  uneasy 

19  Bro.  Goodacre,  in  concluding  his  series  of  public  lectures  on  astro- 
nomy, thus  illustrated  this  countless  host : — "  Let  us,"  said  he,  "  compare 
the  great  solar  system  (of  which  this  earth  forms  so  inconsiderable  a 
part)  to  the  single  habitation  of  a  family  in  a  thinly  peopled  district ;  the 
brightest  of  the  stars,  Lyra  and  Sirius,  and  others  of  the  first  magnitude, 
though  distant  from  us  millions  of  millions  of  miles,  are  our  nearest  neigh- 
bours ;  the  less  brilliant  of  the  visible  stars  are  similar  scattered  dwell- 
ings at  somewhat  greater  distances ;  the  small  groups,  such  as  Pleiades 
and  the  Dolphin,  are  the  little  hamlets  of  our  vicinity  ;  while  the  brighter 
and  more  crowded  portions  of  the  milky  way,  are  the  villages  and  towns 
dispersed  throughout  the  country  ;  yet  these  eight  or  ten  millions  of  suns 
make  but  one  region — one  firmament.  Aided  by  the  telescope,  in  those 
lucid  spots  called  nebulae,  are  brought  to  view  thousands  of  such  firma- 
ments, each  perhaps  separated  from  our  region  of  stars,  by  spaces  as 
much  exceeding  the  distances  of  the  stars  from  us,  as  the  mighty  ocean 
exceeds  the  little  brook  that  divides  two  hamlets ;  and  some  of  these 
firmaments  are  so  distant,  that  the  combined  radiance  of  millions  of  suns 
never  reaches  our  vision  ;  nay,  it  is  only  presented  as  a  faint  streak  of 
light  to  the  most  powerful  telescope.  Yet  is  not  this  infinitude  ?  This 
assemblage  of  myriads  of  firmaments — each  firmament  composed  of 
millions  of  suns — and  each  sun,  with  its  respective  system,  capable  of 
sustaining  millions  upon  millions  of  millions  of  created  beings — forms 
but  a  mere  speck  amidst  the  boundless  regions  of  existence  throughout 
which  the  Eternal  reigns." 

30  Eccles.  i.  8. 


328  A  SEARCH  AFTER  TRUTH. 

after  somewhat  farther,  after  higher  perfection,  after  a 
happy  hereafter;  that  then  we  may  be  perfect  in  know- 
ledge, that  then  we  may  be  fully  enlightened,  lint  to  be 
now  too  curious  or  inquisitive,  how  or  after  what  man- 
ner, would  be  vain,  if  not  wicked  ;  presumptuous  inqui- 
ries often  lead  us  into  error,  bewilder,  if  not  ruin,  us  ; 
our  faculties  have  their  proper  bounds,  and  God  has  said 
to  them  as  he  did  to  the  sea,  hitherto  shalt  thou  <:<>.  and 
no  farther.  Should  we  once  attempt  to  trans«rivss  this 
salutary  law,  we  shall  soon  find  that  in  much  wisdom  is 
much  grief,  and  that  he  that  imprudently  endeavoreth  to 
increase  such  knowledge,  increaseth  sorrow.21 

We  ought  not,  therefore,  vainly  to  endeavour  at  inqui- 
ries that  surpass  our  faculties,  but  rather  meditate  on 
those  that  are  adapted  to  our  capacity. 

There  seems  to  be  a  regular  gradation  in  nature.  As 
in  numerical  figures  each  has  a  power  of  filling  a  certain 
space,  and,  was  there  to  be  wanting  any  one,  the  rest 
could  not  maintain  a  gradual  progression ;  so  this  is  visi- 
ble also  of  the  creatures  on  earth ;  some  having  barely 
being,  as  earth,  air,  and  water,  here  these  rest ;  some 
that,  besides  being,  have  life,  as  vegetables,  these  are 
next  in  a  regular  succession  ;  some  chat,  besides  life,  have 
sense  and  perception,  as  brute  animals,  rising  still  higher 
in  order  and  proportion ;  some  that,  besides  sense,  have 
reason  and  cogitation,  as  men,  to  whom  God  has  given 
the  superiority  in  the  animal  world.  The  brute  part  of 
the  creation  comes  nearest  the  human,  and  borders  upon 
it,  and  therefore  they  are  endued  with  something  like 
reason,  though  it  does  not  amount  to  it,  and  this  we  usu- 
ally call  instinct,  the  powers  and  extent  of  which  are  va- 
riously regulated,  but  confined  within  certain  bounds, 
beyond  which  it  was  never  known  to  pass.  We  men  are 
also  under  rules  and  restrictions  ;  we  rise  next  to  the 
angelic  beings ;  beings,  perhaps,  as  much  superior  to  us 
as  we  are  to  brutes;  for  naturally  we  know  no  more  of, 
nor  can  comprehend  properly,  by  the  utmost  extent  of 
mere  reason,  the  strong  power,  the  real  nature,  the  vari- 
ous offices  and  appointments  of  even  the  lowest  rank  of 
them,  which  borders  upon  man,  than  we  may  venture  to 
suppose  the  beasts  do  of  us ;  how  much  less  of  the  high- 

21  Eccles.  i.  18. 


A  SEARCH  AFTER  TRUTH.  320 

est.  which  may  probably  be  exalted,  as  near  as  finite 
creatures  can,  to  an  infinite  Deity ;  and  then  how  im- 
mensely far  from  fully  comprehending  the  essence  and 
perfection  of  that  Deity!  Behold  he  puts  no  trust  in 
his  servants,  and  his  angels  he  chargeth  with  folly  ;a 
how  much  less  on  them  who  dwell  in  houses  of  clay, 
whose  foundation  is  in  the  dust,  which  are  crushed  before 
the  moth?  They  are  destroyed  from  morning  to  even- 
ing, they  perish  for  ever  without  any  regarding  it.  Doth 
not  their  excellency  which  is  in  them  go  away;  they  die 
even  without  wisdom.  For  canst  thou,  by  the  most  sub- 
lime speculations,  by  the  most  exalted  powers  of  human 
understanding,  find  out  God  ?  Canst  thou  find  out  the 
Almighty  to  perfection  ?  It  is  as  high  as  heaven,  what 
canst  thou  do  ?  deeper  than  hell,  what  canst  thou  know?23 
The  measure  thereof  is  longer  than  the  earth,  and  broad- 
er than  the  sea.24  It  is  he  that  sitteth  upon  the  circle  of 
the  earth,  arid  the  inhabitants  thereof  are  as  grasshop- 
pers, that  stretcheth  out  the  heavens  as  a  curtain,  and 
spreadeth  them  out  as  a  tent  to  dwell  in.23  We  must, 
therefore,  cover  our  eyes,  as  the  seraphim  mentioned  by 
Isaiah  did,  before  his  divine  Majesty.26  Our  curiosity 
must  be  conducted  with  moderation,  lest  we  become 
vain  in  our  imaginations,  and  our  foolish  hearts,  instead 
of  being  enlightened,  be  further  darkened.  For  who 
hath  measured  the  water  in  the  hollow  of  his  hand  ?  and 
meted  out  the  heaven  with  a  span,  and  comprehended  the 
dust  of  the  earth  in  a  measure,  and  weighed  the  moun- 
tains in  scales,  and  the  hills  in  a  balance  V27 

The  deep  things  of  God  none  but  the  Spirit  of  God  has 
ever  searched  out ;  and  though  this  Holy  Spirit  hath  gra- 
ciously afforded  us  depths  and  hidden  treasures  of  know- 
ledge, yet  its  intention  seems  to  be  this,  to  direct  us  how 
to  proceed,  and  what  to  believe  and  hope  for,  but  not 
entirely  to  lift  up  that  veil  which  deprives  us  of  the  true 
knowledge  of  superior  tilings.  Providence  has  afforded 

™  Job  iv.  18.  23  Ibid.  xi.  7. 

21  In  this  lecture  Masonry  is  inculcated  so  judiciously,  that  none  but 
tlie  fraternity  can  possibly  divine  which  part  of  it  refers  to  the  Order. 
The  above  reference  to  the  extent  of  the  lodge  would  be  overlooked  by 
every  careless  reader,  although  it  is  a  landmark  of  great  importance  in 
pointing  out  the  universality  of  Masonry. 

25  Isai.  xl.  22.  M  Ibid.  vi.  2.  27  ibid.  xl.  12. 


&vO  A  SEARCH  AFTER  TRUTH. 

us  objects  enough  suited  to  the  power  of  our  faculties, 
which  may  exercise  all  the  industry,  and  skill,  and  parts, 
of  the  most  learned  and  wise,  and  which  may  make  them 
better  and  more  happy.  These,  then,  and  these  only,  let 
us  diligently  search  after,  and  let  us  improve,  to  the  best 
advantage,  whatever  we  are  capable  of  knowing,  either 
by  promoting  our  own  or  the  general  good.  Let  us  wil- 
lingly be  confined  within  this  our  proper  circle,  and  have 
respect  only  to  this  useful  centre.  For,  if  we  pretend  to 
go  farther,  and  should  amuse  ourselves  with  some  faint 
glimpse  of  superior  things,  yet  we  shall  soon  find  even 
that  glimpse  is  but  as  the  lightning,  no  sooner  seen  than 
lost :  philosophy  is  quite  at  a  stand,  and  our  reasonings 
and  reflections  quite  uncertain.23  Thus,  upon  this  prin- 
ciple, the  wise  and  curious  artist  (allowing  for  the  mean- 
ness of  the  comparison)  when  he  could  not  draw  sorrow 
to  the  life,  drew  it  with  a  veil  over  its  face,  that  imagi- 
nation might  supply  the  defects  of  the  pencil.  And,  there- 
fore, our  constitutions  wisely  forbid  any  disputations  in 
every  regular  lodge  about  such  matters,  and  direct  only 
to  the  contemplation  of  useful  arts  and  sciences,  not  to 
pursue  studies  or  speculations  which  may  not  be  only 
barren  and  unfruitful,  but  rather  dangerous  and  destruc- 
tive ;  but  that,  according  to  the  rules  of  architecture  in 
our  well-built  fabric,  there  should  be  solidity  and  conve- 
nience, order  and  decorum  ;  that  we  should  contemplate 
nature  and  the  works  of  God,  in  order  to  make  them  ser- 
viceable to  ourselves  and  our  fellow-creatures,  that  we  all 
may  be  more  sensible  of  our  Creator's  favours  and  bless- 
ings to  us. 

So  as  to  ascribe  righteousness  to  our  Great  Benefactor, 
by  joining  in  the  language  both  of  heaven  and  earth,  and 
the  whole  universe,  which,  with  one  common  voice,  pro- 
claim the  glory  of  God. 

38  To  the  same  effect  Pope  said  :— 

•'  A  little  learning  is  a  dangerous  thing, 
Drink  deep,  or  taste  not  the  Pierian  spring; 
There  shallow  draughts  intoxicate  the  brain, 
But  drinking  largely  sobers  us  again." 

And  nothing  can  more  perfectly  apply  to  the  science  of  Freemasonry. 
The  greatest  pretenders  are  those  who  have  acquired  only  a  superficial 
knowledge  of  the  Order.  A  drum  is  a  large  instrument,  and  roake°  a 
great  noise,  but  alas,  it  is  hollow  1 


A  SEARCH  AFTER  TRUTH.  331 

The  soul  of  man  seems  to  be  made,  as  it  were,  on  pur- 
pose to  contemplate  the  works  of  God  ;  for  this  end  it  can 
discern,  think,  and  reason ;  therefore,  both  duty  and  gra- 
titude oblige  us  to  set  forth  the  glories  of  our  great  Crea- 
tor. This  should  be  the  alpha  and  omega,  the  beginning 
and  end  of  all  our  enquiries.  We  should  learn  by  arith- 
metic, that  as  numbers  proceed  from  unity  ;  by  geometry, 
that  as  magnitudes  arise  from  an  indivisible  point ;  by 
philosophy,  that  as  all  causes  are  owing. to  one  first 
cause  ;  by  astronomy  and  mechanics,  that  as  all  motions 
and  movements  depend  upon  one  first  mover  :29  so  that 
of  all  things  there  is  but  one  infinitely  wise  and  powerful 
Maker,  Director,  and  Preserver ;  and  consequently,  that 
for  all  things  we  are  to  worship  and  to  give  divine  hon- 
our but  to  one  God,  and  to  let  glory  only  surround  his 
great  and  awful  name. 

Let  even  the  earth  teach  us  arid  the  sea  declare  unto 
us  the  doctrine  of  obedience ;  the  one  continually  moves 
in  its  proper  orb,  and  the  waves  of  the  other,  though 
seemingly  unruly,  yet  never  pass  those  bounds  decreed 
them.  When  out  of  the  south  cometh  a  whirlwind,  or 
cold  out  of  the  north,  when,  by  the  breath  of  God,  frost 
is  given,  and  the  breadth  of  the  waters  is  straitened  j30 
or  when,  by  watering,  he  wearieth  the  thick  cloud,  let 
us  reflect  that  it  is  turned  round  about  by  his  counsels, 
that  they  may  do  whatsoever  he  commandeth  them  upon 
the  face  of  the  world,  in  the  earth,  either  for  correction, 
or  for  mercy.  As  day  unto  day  uttereth  speech,31  and 
night  unto  night  showeth  knowledge,  let  us  admire  tha 
majesty  of  God  wrote  in  characters  of  light,  and  let  the 

29  In  ancient  Masonry  the  study  of  the  seven  liberal  sciences  was 
strongly  recommended ;  and  their  origin  was  untruly  attributed  to 
Euclid.  The  following  passage  from  an  ancient  masonic  MS.  will  illus- 
trate this  observation  : — 

Through  hye  grace  of  Crist  yn  heven, 

He  (Euclid)  commensed  yn  the  syens  seven ; 

Gramatica  ys  the  furste  syens  y-wysse, 

Dialetica  the  secunde  so  have  y-blysse, 

Eethorica  the  thrydde,  withoute  nay, 

Musica  ys  the  fowrthe,  as  y  you  say, 

Astromia  ys  the  v,  by  my  enowte, 

Arsmetica  the  vi,  withoute  dowte, 

Gemetria  the  seventhe  maketh  an  ende, 

For  he  ys  bothe  meke  an  hende. 

In  more  modern  times,  however,  geometry  is  made  the  fifth  science. 
30  Job  xxxv ii.  9.  31  Ps.  xix.  2. 

13* 


332  A  SEARCH  AFTER  TRUTH. 

solemn  gloom  of  darkness  suggest  to  us  that  our  race 
will  soon  be  run,  and  our  eyes  closed  in  its  certain  shades. 
Lift  up  your  eyes  on  high,  and  see  who  hath  created 
these  things,  that  bringetn  out  their  host  by  number, 
that  calleth  them  all  by  their  names,  by  the  greatness  of 
his  might.32  And  then,  when  we  behold  the  sun  as  it 
shineth,  or  the  moon  walking  in  brightness,  let  not  our 
hearts  be  secretly  enticed  to  adore  those  glorious  lumina- 
ries, nor  let  pur  mouths  kiss  our  hands  by  way  of  wor- 
ship.33 But,  rather,  when  the  one  riseth  in  the  east,  and 
rejoiceth  as  a  giant  to  run  its  course ;  as  men,  and  more 
particularly  as  Masons,  let  us  be  taught  to  go  forth  to  our 
labour  ;  and,  when  it  sets  in  the  west,  let  us  be  thankful 
for  the  approaching  necessary  rest,  and  for  those  wages 
or  rewards  we  are  assured  of,  for  performing  well  the 
duty  of  the  day  ;  and  that,  upon  emergent  occasions, 
Providence  has  still  left  us  the  glimmering  light  of  the 
other  to  direct  our  paths.  Though  we  often  meet  with 
a  various  chequer  of  seeming  good  or  evil  in  this  mortal 
state,34  yet  let  us  never  pretend  to  censure  what  God 
doth,  or  to  amend  his  work,  or  to  advise  Infinite  Wisdom  ; 
but,  rather,  to  believe  their  ends  and  purposes  are  right 
and  just ;  for,  shall  the  thing  formed  say  to  him  that 
formed  it,  why  hast  thou  made  me  thus?  let  the  animal 
world  and  their  endowments  crowd  in  a  throng  of  glories 
and  admiration  upon  our  minds :  and,  as  to  ourselves,  let 
us,  unless  we  will  be  worse  than  irrationals,  with  David, 
continually  say,  I  will  praise  thee,  O  God,  I  am  fearfully 
and  wonderfully  made  :  marvellous  are  thy  works,  and 
that  my  soul  knoweth  right  well.35  Let  even  our  own 
inventions  teach  us,  let  the  compass  mark  our  ways,  let 
the  square  direct  our  actions,  the  plumb-line  form  us  up- 
right, and  the  level  moderate  our  desires,  and  make  them 
regular  and  even.  Let  us  often  reflect  to  whose  sacred 
influence  all  our  contrivances,  all  our  sciences,  are  pri- 
marily owing ;  and  let  us  ascribe  to  the  Father  of  Lights 
every  good  and  every  perfect  gift,36  and  offer  unto  him  a 
solemn  sacrifice  of  praise  and  thanksgiving.  We  find 

33  Isai.  xl.  2G.  »  Job  xxxi.  26. 

34  A  most  beautiful  vein  of  Masonry  runs  through  the  whole  of  this 
lecture ;  and  we  cannot  but  admire  the  tact  and  delicacy  with  which  it  is 
introduced  and  embodied  in  the  argument. 

35  Ps.  cxxxix.  14.  *  James  i.  17. 


A  SEARCH  AFTER  TRUTH.  333 

that  even  the  ligh-t  of  nature  taught  the  wiser  heathens 
this  easy  duty.37  For  it  is  said  of  Pythagoras  that  he  of- 
fered an  hecatomb  on  his  finding  out  the  proportion  of 
the  longest  side  of  a  right-angled  triangle  to  the  other 
two  ;38  and  that  Thales  sacrificed  an  ox  to  the  gods,  for 
joy  that  he  had  hit  on  a  method  of  inscribing  a  rectan- 
gled  triangle  within  a  circle.  In  everything,  therefore, 
remember  that  thou  magnify  his  work,  which  men  be- 
hold. Every  man  may  see  it :  men  may  behold  it  afar 
otf.39  For  the  minutest  insect  may  instruct  us,  even  a 
blade  of  corn  may  be  considered  as  a  type  of  our  resur- 
rection ;  for  that  which  thou  sowest  is  not  quickened 
except  it  die.40  Therefore,  though  our  bodies  be  deprived 
of  life  by  natural  accidents,  or  by  the  violence  of  men, 
yet  we  may  thus  assure  ourselves  of  their  being  raised 
again,  when  this  corruptible  shall  put  on  incorruption, 
and  this  mortal  shall  put  on  immortality,  when  the  veil 
shall  be  entirely  taken  away,  and  we  shall  see  and  con- 
ceive a  new  scene  of  wonders. 

The  most  learned  and  studious,  without  this  sort  of 
knowledge,  is  only  a  naked  superficies,  is  more  devoid  of 
real  wisdom  than  the  most  illiterate,  upright  man,  who 
perceives  enough  to  be  convinced  that  the  fear  of  the 
Lord  is  true  wisdom,  and  that  to  depart  from  evil  is  un- 
derstanding.41 

The  principles  upon  which  this  society  is  established, 
the  regulations  by  which  it  is  supported,  are  founded 
upon  this  strong,  this  lasting  basis,  our  speculations  here- 
by become  more  than  a  pleasing  amusement,  by  being 
also  a  mental  improvement,  and  a  practical  good  to  our- 
selves and  others.  Offices  of  humanity,  benevolence,  and 
unanimity,  are  riot  only  hereby  deduced,  and  every  social 
pursuit,  not  only  the  justifiable,  but  likewise  the  laudable 
appears  amongst  those  that  are  good  men  and  true ;  but 

37  Diog.  Laer.  in  Pythag. 

38  Apollodorus  says,  that  on  the  invention  of  this  theorem,  Pythagoras 
sacrificed  a  hecatomb  to  the  Muses  in  the  joy  of  his  heart.     Plutarch, 
however,  thinks  it  was  only  an  ox,  and  that  for  a  very  different  problem, 
viz.,  concerning  the  area  of  a  parabola.     As  Pythagoras  was  averse  to 
bloody  sacrifices,  it  is  more  probable  that  Cicero  and  Porphyry  may  be 
more  correct  when  they  say,  that  the  ox  which  he  offered  to  the  Muses 
was  made  of  baked  flour. 

39  Job  xxxvi.  24,  25.  *  1  Cor.  xv.  36. 
41  Job  xxviii.  28. 


334  A  SEARCH  AFTER  TRUTH. 

they  continually  endeavour  also,  in  every  particular,  and 
in  the  whole,  to  convince  that  the  works  of  the  Lord  are 
great,  not  the  atheist  only,  but  all  other  careless,  incuri- 
ous, unthinking  creatures  of  the  human  species. 

Reason  and  freedom  are  our  own,  and  may  they  eve. 
continue  so  to  us!  both  are  privileges  received  frum  God, 
and  therefore  all  our  concurrent  endeavours  should  be  to 
make  a  right  use  of  them  to  our  own  benefit,  and  to  the 
glory  of  him  that  gave  them. 

And  let  us  bless  God  for  our  further  improvement  as 
Christians ;  and  with  our  patron,  St.  John,  though  he 
wept  much  at  first,  because  no  man  was  found  worthy 
to  open  and  to  read  the  book,  neither  to  look  thereon, 
nor  to  loose  the  seven  seals  thereof,  let  us  be  comforted 
that  the  Lamb  of  God,  which  is  also  called  the  Lion  of 
the  tribe  of  Judah,  the  Root  of  David,  hath  come  forth, 
and  prevailed  to  open  the  book,  to  loose  the  seals,  and  to 
manifest  to  men  the  will  of  God.42  By  which  glorious 
revelation,  they  that  properly  wait  upon  the  Lord  shall 
renew  their  strength,48  they  shall  mount  up  with  wings 
as  eagles,  they  shall  run  and  not  be  weary,  they  shall 
walk  and  not  faint,  they  shall  glorify  his  name  on  earth, 
and  he  will  glorify  them  eternally  in  heaven,  when  we 
shall  not  see  only  in  part,  or  as  through  a  glass  darkly,44 
for  in  the  city  of  the  living  God  there  is  no  need  of  the 
sun,  neither  of  the  moon,  to  shine  in  it,  for  the  glory  of 
God  enlightens  it,  and  the  Lamb  is  the  light  thereof.45 

43  Rev.  v.  4,  5.  «Isai.  xl.  31. 

«  1  Uor.  xiii.  12.  «  Rev.  xxi  23. 


LECTURE  VII. 

ON  MASONIC  LIGHT,  TRUTH,  AND  CHARITY.    BY  THOS. 
DUNCKERLEY,1  ESQ.,  P.  I 
PLYMOUTH.   A.  D.  1757. 


DUNCKERLEY,1  ESQ.,  P.  G.  M.,  BEFORE  THE  LODGE  AT 


"  The  two  principles  of  light  and  darkness  cannot  be  said  to  have  be- 
ginning, but  are  co-eternal  ;  yet  the  light  swalloweth  up  darkness,  as  the 
day  doth  the  night.  The  flagrat  or  operation  of  darkness  is  the  wrath 
of  God,  and  the  flagrat  or  manifestation  of  light  is  his  love.  These  make 
one  triumphant  kingdom,  wrestling  to  exalt  the  sublime  joy  of  the  holy 
and  divine  freewill  of  God." — TEUTONIC  LECTURES. 

LIGHT  and  truth  being  the  great  essentials  of  the  royal 
craft,  I  shall  begin  this  discourse  with  that  awful  mes- 
sage which  St.  John  delivered  to  the  world,  that  "  God 

1  Brother  Dunckerley  was  the  natural  son  of  King  George  II.,  and  was 
born  in  the  year  1724.  In  his  early  youth  he  evinced  the  germ  of  those 
high  talents  which  afterwards  raised  him  to  such  eminence,  although  his 
education  does  not  appear  to  have  been  regular.  Being  without  resources, 
as  the  king,  it  is  believed,  was  kept  in  ignorance  of  his  existence,  he  was 
suffered  to  enter  the  navy  as  a  man  before  the  mast ;  and,  although  his 
conduct  was  perfectly  regular  and  praiseworthy,  he  never  attained  any 
higher  rank  than  that  of  a  humble  warrant  officer,  and  he  remained  in  the 
service  nearly  thirty  years  without  knowing  the  secret  of  his  birth.  At 
length,  however,  it  was  disclosed  on  the  death-bed  of  a  lady  who  was 
privy  to  the  fact ;  but  the  king's  indisposition,  and  his  demise  a  few  weeks 
subsequent  to  the  revelation,  prevented  poor  Dunckerley  from  deriving 
any  advantage  from  a  personal  intercourse  with  his  father.  The  case 
was,  however,  represented  to  George  III.,  who  assigned  to  him  a  pension 
and  apartments  in  Hampton  Court  for  his  residence.  He  now  became  a 
law  student,  and  was  in  due  course  called  to  the  bar,  where  his  talents 
soon  advanced  him  to  distinction.  He  assumed  the  royal  arms,  with  the 
bar  sinister,  and  was  sometimes  designated  by  the  name  of  Fitz  George. 
His  masonic  zeal  was  unparalleled,  and  elevated  him  to  offices  of  trust 
and  confidence ;  and  the  assiduity  which  he  displayed  in  the  discharge 
of  their  duties,  was  equally  honourable  to  himself,  and  beneficial  to  the 
craft.  He  held  the  office  of  Prov.  G.  M.  and  G.  Sup.  of  the  Royal  Arch 
for  fourteen  provinces  ;  and  was  also  the  G.  M.  of  the  Templars,  Kadosh, 
and  Rose  -f-  In  addition  to  a  taste  for  the  fine  arts,  his  knowledge  was 


336  ON    MASONIC    LIGHT, 

is  light,  and  in  him  is  no  darkness  at  all  ;"  and  that  we 
are  not  worthy  of  the  true  fellowship  unless  we  walk  in 
the  light,  and  do  the  truth.  O,  sacred  light!  whose 
orient  beams  make  manifest  that  truth  which  unites  all 
good  and  faithful  Masons  in  a  heavenly  fellowship. 

This  sublime  part  of  Masonry  is  that  iirm  basis  on 
which  is  raised  the  shaft  of  faith,  that  supports  a  beauti- 
ful entablature  of  good  works.  It  is  the  foundation  of  a 
superstructure  unbounded  as  the  universe,  and  durable 
as  eternity.2  To  attempt  a  description  of  this  stupendous 
fabric  may  seem  presumptuous  in  me,  who  have  been  so 
few  years  a  Mason  ;  but  as,  my  Brethren,  you  have  been 
pleased  to  request  it,  give  me  leave  to  assure  you  that  I 
am  truly  sensible  of  the  honour  ;  and  though  there  are 
several  among  you  who,  by  knowledge  and  long  experi- 
ence, are  well  qualified  for  such  an  undertaking,  yet,  as 


sound,  and  his  researches  into  the  true  tlsign  of  speculative  Masonry  ex- 
tensive. His  reputation  was  so  great,  that  ev?ery  difficult  question  which 
elicited  more  than  one  opinion  in  Grand  Lodges,  was  always  referred  to 
him,  and  his  decision  was  delivered  with  such  consummate  judgment  and 
tact,  as  to  be  satisfactory  to  all  parties.  It  will  be  readily  believed, 
therefore,  that  he  was  an  universal  favourite;  and  advanced  the  charac- 
ter of  Masonry  by  the  influence  of  his  example,  amongst  those  who  held 
it  in  little  estimation  ;  and  the  number  of  lodges  in  the  provinces  under 
his  superintendence  was  considerably  augmented.  His  services  wen; 
rewarded  with  the  rank  of  Past  G.  W.,  and  he  died  at  Portsmouth,  in 
the  year  1795. 

2  "  The  venerable  institution  of  Masonry,"  says  a  Committee  of  the 
Grand  Lodges  of  the  United  States,  in  their  report  of  May,  1843,  "  was 
planned  in  wisdom,  and  established  on  the  firm  and  unshaken  foundations 
of  love  and  friendship,  in  ages  long  since  rolled  away.  These  foundations 
were  laid  broad  and  deep,  by  those  master  spirits  of  yore,  who,  we  trust, 
are  now  conversant  with  other  scenes  in  that  blissful  and  immortal  lodge, 
which  no  time  can  remove.  They  constructed  the  temple  of  the  choicest 
materials  of  past  ages,  and  it  is  ours  to  embellish  it  with  the  finest  orna- 
ments of  modern  times.  Masonry  is,  therefore,  venerable  with  age.  It 
nobly  lived  in  the  hearts  of  those  worthy  spirits  of  ancient  days,  before 
even  science  had  thrown  her  beams  over  the  world,  or  put  forth  the  em- 
bodied expressions  of  her  glory  in  the  combination  of  letters  into  words  ; 
this  fair  fabric  of  masonic  splendour  was  planned,  and  reared,  and  finished 
for  eternity.  It  has  withstood  the  shocks  of  time,  the  revolutions  of  ages, 
the  concussion  of  empires,  and  the  convulsions  of  hostile,  contending 
nations.  She  has  passed  safely  through  the  dark  ages  of  superstition  and 
bigotry  ;  has  come  forth  from  the  furnace  purified  from  those  stains 
which  the  conduct  of  unworthy  men  had  fixed  upon  the  bright  escutcheon 
of  her  character  ;  she  has  put  on  her  beautiful  garment,  and,  shining  with 
renewed  accessions  of  splendour,  she  stands  among  us  in  the  firm  majesty 
of  war-worn  grandeur,  like  the  lofty  Apennines  sublimely  towering  to 
heaven." 


TRUTH,    AND    CHARITY.  337 

it  is  my  duty  to  execute  your  commands,  I  shall  cheer- 
fully begin  the  work,  and  humbly  hope  by  patience  and 
industry  to  make  some  amends  for  the  little  time  I  have 
served. 

The  light  and  truth  which  St.  John  takes  notice  of  in 
his  message  to  the  world  being  a  principal  part  of  sub- 
lime Masonry,  I  have,  as  I  observed  before,  taken  it  for 
the  subject  of  my  discourse  on  this  solemn  occasion.3  I 
entreat  you  to  hear  me  with  attention;  and  whatever 
deficiencies  you  may  discover  in  this  essay,  impute  to 
inexperience,  and  admonish  me  with  brotherly  love,  that 
while  I  am  pleading  the  cause  of  truth  I  may  be  free 
from  error. 

God  said,  let  there  be  light;  and  there  was  light.4 
Without  it  the  rude  matter  of  the  chaos,  though  brought 
into  form,  would  still  have  been  to  little  purpose.  Let 
your  light  so  shine  before  men,  that  they  may  see  your 
good  works,  was  the  advice  of  Him  that  was  a  light  to 
lighten  the  Gentiles.  Our  lights  are  not  hid,  but  placed 
on  candlesticks ;  and  these  are  silent  monitors,  continu- 

3  It  is  said  in  the  Trismegistic  Books,  that  "  there  hath  ever  been  one 
great  intellectual  light,  which  hath  always  illuminated  the  mind  ;  and  the 
union  of  light  and  mind  is  nothing  else  but  the  spirit,  which  is  the  bond 
of  all  things." 

4  Respecting  the  origin  of  light  or  Masonry  there  are  a  variety  of  opini- 
ons.     Preston  says  : — "  From  the  commencement  of  the  world  we  may 
trace  the  foundation  of  Masonry.     Ever  since  symmetry  began,  and  har- 
mony displayed  her  charms,  our  Order  has  had  a  being.  "     On  the  other 
hand,  Laurie  affirms,  that "  while  a  certain  class  of  men,  a  little  over  anxi- 
ous for  the  dignity  of   their  Order,  have  represented   Freemasonry  as 
coeval  with  the  world  ;  others,  influenced  by  an  opposite  motive,  have 
maintained  it  to  be  the  invention  of  the  English  Jesuits ;  others,  that  it 
arose  during  the  crusades,  &c."     Amongst  our  transatlantic  Brethren, 
these  opinions  are  equally  various.      Grand  Master  Dalcho  affirms,  that 
"  tlie  origin  of  Masonry  may  be  dated  from  the  creation  of  the  world." 
De  Witt  Clinton,  however,  another  Grand  Master,  entertained  a  very 
different  opinion.     In  a  masonic  address  to  the  Brethren,  delivered  Sept. 
29,  1825,  he  observed  : — "  Enthusiastic  friends  of  our  institution  have 
done  it  much  injury,  and  covered  it  with  much  ridicule,  by  stretching  its 
origin  beyond  the  bounds  of  credibility.     Some  have  given  it  an  ante- 
diluvian origin  ;  while  others  have  represented  it  as  even  coeval  with  the 
creation  ;  some  have  traced  it  to  the  Egyptian  priests,  and  others  have 
discovered  its  vestiges  in  the  mystical  societies. of  Greece  and  Borne. 
The  erection  of  Solomon's  temple,  the  retreats  of  the  Druids,  and  the 
crusades  to  the  Holy  Land,  have  been  at  different  times  specified  as  the 
sources  of  its  existence.     The  order,  harmony,  and  wonders  of  the  crea- 
tion, the  principles  of  mathematical  science,  and  the  producing  of  archi- 
tectural skill,  have  been  confounded  with  Freemasonry." 


338  ON    MASONIC    LIGHT, 

ally  intimating  to  us,  that  as  the  ancient  and  honourable 
badge5  we  wear  has  placed  us  above  the  rest  of  mankind, 
so  all  our  duties  to  our  heavenly  Master,  our  fellow- 
creatures,  and  ourselves,  should  be  formed  and  contrive'  1 
by  the  wisdom  of  God's  word  ;  strengthened  and  sup- 
ported by  love,  truth,  and  charity  ;  and  beautified  and 
adorned  by  honesty,  temperance,  and  true  politeness. 
All  Masons  that  are,  or  ever  have  been,  were  shown 
the  light;  and  though  they  cannot  forget  it,  yet,  alas! 
how  faintly  does  it  shine  in  the  hearts  of  too  many!  how 
is  its  lustre  sullied,  and  splendour  diminished,  by  the 
folly,  stupidity,  and  madness  of  irreligion  and  impiety  !6 

6  In  denial  of  the  antiquity  of  Freemasonry.  De  Quincy  asserts  : — "  I 
affirm  it  as  a  fact,  established  upon  historical  research,  that  before  the 
beginning  of  the  seventeenth  century,  no  traces  are  to  be  met  with  of  the 
Rosicrucian  or  masonic  orders ;  and  I  challenge  any  antiquarian  to  con- 
tradict me."  Colonel  Stone  says  : — "  The  main  superstructure,  in  its  his- 
tory and  traditions,  and  its  pretensions  to  antiquity,  are  founded,  to  a 
very  considerable  degree,  in  fraud  and  imposture."  A  third  adds  :  - 
"Let  Freemasons  give  up  their  vain  boastings,  which  ignorance  has 
foisted  into  the  Order,  and  relinquish  a  fabulous  antiquity  rather  than 
sacrifice  common  sense."  These  testimonies  are  balanced  by  the  authori- 
ty of  Anderson,  Desaguliers,  Calcott,  Hutchinson,  Preston,  and  a  host 
of  worthy  and  intelligent  Brethren,  who  have  asserted  the  antiquity  of 
the  Order.  Even  Lawrence  Dermott,  who  has  been  unfairly  quoted  by 
Stone,  in  his  severe  philippic,  as  having  recorded  hi*  testimony  against 
this  fact,  says  : — "  It  is  certain  that  Freemasonry  has  existed  from  the 
creation,  though  probably  not  under  that  name  ;  that  it  was  a  divine  gift 
of  God  ;  that  Gain  and  the  builders  of  the  city  were  strangers  to  the 
secret  mysteries  of  Masonry ;  that  there  were  but  four  Masons  in  the 
world  when  the  deluge  happened,  &c."  A  correspondent  of  my  own, 
whose  opinions  are  entitled  to  great  respect,  says  : — "  I  do  not  dispute 
that  Masonry  was  encouraged  by  Athelstan  ;  but  I  deny  that  the  Mason- 
ry of  that  day  was  anything  akin  to  the  Freemasonry  of  the  eighteenth 
and  nineteenth  centuries.  1  have  very  great  doubts  if  the  present  mode 
of  initiation  was  introduced  prior  to  the  eleventh  or  twelfth  century  ;  and 
even  I  have  strong  grounds  for  thinking  that  it  suffered  much  modifica- 
tion in  the  fourteenth  century." 

6  Archbishop  Teuison  has  given  a  brilliant  description  of  this  light. — 
"Nothing  is  in  nature  so  pure  and  pleasant,  and  venerable  as  light. 
especially  in  some  reflections  or  refractions  of  it.  which  are  highly  agree- 
able to  the  temper  of  the  brain.  By  light  God  discovereth  Ins  other 
works ;  and  by  it  he  hath  pleased  to  shadow  out  himself;  and  both  secu- 
lar and  sacred  writers  have  thence  taken  plenty  of  metaphors,  dipping, 
as  it  were,  their  pens  in  light,  when  they  write  of  Him  who  made  heaven 
and  earth.  lambliclms,  in  his  book  of  the  Egyptian  Mysteries,  setteth 
out  by  LIGHT,  the  power,  the  simplicity,  the  penetration,  the  ubiquity  of 
God.  K.  A  ben  Levita,  supposeth  light  to  be  the  garment  of  God  ;  it 
having  been  said  by  David,  that  he  clothed  himself  with  it.  Maimonidea 


TRUTH,    AND    CHARITY.  339 

These  are  the  persons  of  whom  St.  John  says: — "  They 
went  out  from  us;  but  they  were  not  of  us;  for  if  they 
had  been  of  us,  they  would  no  doubt  have  continued  with 
us ;  but  they  went  out,  that  they  might  be  made  mani- 
fest that  they  were  not  all  of  us."  And  thus  it  is  that 
those  who  depart  from  the  light  bring  an  evil  report  on 
the  craft. 

As  in  the  sight  of  God  we  are  all  equally  his  children, 
having  the  same  common  parent  and  preserver — so  we, 
in  like  manner,  look  on  every  Freemason  as  our  Brother; 
nor  regard  where  he  was  born  or  educated,  provided  he  is 
a  good  man,  an  honest  man,  which  is  "the  noblest  work 
of  God." 

A  laudable  custom  prevailed  among  our  ancient  Breth 
ren  :  after  they  had  sent  their  donations  to  the  general 
charities,7  they  considered  the  distresses  of  those  in  par- 
ticular that  resided  in  their  respective  neighbourhoods, 
and  assisted  them  with  such  a  sum  as  could  be  con- 
veniently spared  from  the  lodge.8  I  repeat  it,  that 

supposeth  the  matter  of  the  heavens  to  have  risen  from  the  extension  of 
this  vestment  of  divine  light.  Eugubinus  supposeth  the  divine  light  to 
be  the  empyrean  heaven,  or  habitation  of  God.  And  this  he  thinketh 
to  be  the  true  Olympus  of  the  poets,  so  called  because  it  shineth  through- 
out with  admirable  glory.  St.  Basil  calleth  the  light  of  God  not  sensi- 
ble but  intelligible ;  and  conceiteth  that,  after  that  first  uncreated,  the 
angels  are  a  second  and  created  light.  Such  sayings,  though  they  have 
in  them  a  mixture  of  extravagance,  yet,  in  the  main,  they  teach  the  same 
with  scripture,  that  God  is  light ;  or  that  there  is  nothing  in  the  creation 
so  fit  an  emblem  of  him,  and  so  fit  to  be  used  in  his  appearance  to  the 
world."  (Idol.  c.  14.) 

7  The  preamble  to  the  first  code  of  laws  issued  by  the  Committee  of 
general  Charity,  A.  D.  1729,  was  expressed  in  the  following  words : — "  By 
the  original  order  and  constitution  ot  nature,  men  are  so  made  and  framed, 
that  they  of  necessity  want  one  another's  assistance  for  their  mutual  sup- 
port and  preservation  in  the  world  ;  being  fitted  by  an  implanted  dispo- 
sition to  live  in  societies,  and  establish  themselves  into  distinct  bodies, 
for  the  moje  effectual  promulgating  and  propagating  a  communication 
of  arts,  labour,  and  industry,  of  which  charity  and  mutual  friendship  is 
the  common  bond  ;  it  is  in  this  respect  only  that  all  the  human  race 
stand  upon  a  leveJ,  having  all  the  same  wants  and  desires,  and  are  all  in 
the  same  need  of  each  other's  assistance,  as  by  this  common  cement  every 
one  is  bound  to  look  upon  himself  as  a  member  of  this  universal  communi- 
ty ;  and  especially  the  rich  and  great ;  for  the  truly  noble  disposition 
never  shines  so  bright,  as  when  engaged  in  the  noble  purposes  of  social 
love,  charity,  and  benevolence." 

8  It  was  ordered  by  the  Grand  Lodge  in  1 724,  that  in  order  to  promote 
the  charitable  disposition  of  the  Freemasons,  and  to  render  it  more  ex- 
tensively beneficial  to  the  society,  each  lodge  should  make  a  collection, 


340  ON    MASONIC    LIGHT, 

brotherly  love,  relief,  and  truth,  arc  the  iiT;md  principles 
of  Masonry;  and  as  the  principal  part  of  the  company 
are  unacquainted  with  the  original  intention  of  this 
society,  it  may  be  proper  for  their  information,  and  your 
instruction,  that  I  explain  those  principles,  by  which  it 
is  our  duty  in  particular  to  be  actuated. 

By  brotherly  love,  we  are  to  understand  that  generous 
principle  of  the  soul  which  respects  the  human  species 
as  one  family,  created  by  an  all-wise  Being,  and  placed 
on  this  globe  for  the  mutual  assistance  of  each  other.  It 
is  this  attractive  principle,  or  power,  that  draws  men 
together  and  unites  them  in  bodies  politic,  families, 
societies,  and  the  various  orders  and  denominations 
among  men.  But  as  most  of  these  are  partial,  con- 
tracted, or  confined  to  a  particular  country,  religion,  or 
opinion;  our  Order,  on  the  contrary,  is  calculated  to 
unite  mankind  as  one  family :  high  and  low,  rich  and 
poor,  one  with  another ;  to  adore  the  same  God,  and 
observe  his  law.9  All  worthy  members  of  this  society 
are  free  to  visit  every  lodge  in  the  world ;  and  though  he 
knows  not  the  language  of  the  country,  yet  by  a  silent 
universal  language  of  our  own,  he  will  gain  admittance, 
and  find  that  true  friendship,  which  flows  from  the  bro- 
therly love  1  am  now  describing. 

At  that  peaceable  and  harmonious  meeting  he  will 
hear  no  disputes  concerning  religion  or  politics ;  no 
swearing ;  no  obscene,  immoral,  or  ludicrous  discourse ; 
no  other  contention  but  who  can  work  best,  who  can 
agree  best.10 

according  to  their  ability,  to  be  put  into  a  joint  stock,  lodged  in  the 
hands  of  a  treasurer  at  every  quarterly  communication,  for  the  relief  of 
distressed  Brethren  that  shall  be  recommended  by  the  contributing  lodges 
to  the  Grand  Officers  from  time  to  time. 

9  '•  Though  I  speak  with  the  tongues  of  men  and  of  augelf  and  have 
not  charity,  I  am  become  as  sounding  brass  and  a  tinkling  cymbal.   And 
though  I  have  the  gift  of  prophecy,  and  understand  all  mysteries  and  all 
knowledge  ;  and  though  1  have  all  faith,  so  that  I  could  remove  moun- 
tains, and  have  not  charity,  I  am  nothing.     And  though  I  bestow  all  my 
goods  to  feed  the  poor,  and  though  I  give  my  body  to  be  burned,  and 
have  not  charity,  it  profiteth  me  nothing."  (1  Cor.  xiii.  1 — 3.) 

10  One  of  the  objections  urged  against  Masonry  in  those  times  was, 
"  that  Masons  being  not  more  religious,  nor  more  knowing  than  other 
men,  what  benefit  can  they  derive  from  the  proceedings  of  their  lodges  ?" 
which  was  thus  answered  at  the  time  (1738)  by  Euclid — "  It  is  true  that 
although  a  'odge  if  not  a  school  of  divinity,  yet  the  Brethren  are  taught 


TRUTH,    AND    CHARITY.  341 

• 

To  subdue  our  passions,  and  improve  in  useful  scien- 
tific knowledge;  to  instruct  the  younger  Brethren,  and 
initiate  the  unenlightened,  are  principal  duties  in  the 
lodge  ;n  which,  when  done,  and  the  word  of  God  is 
closed,  we  indulge  with  the  song  and  cheerful  glass,  still 
observing  the  same  decency  and  regularity,  with  strict 
attention  to  the  golden  mean,  believing  with  the  poet, 
that — 

"  God  is  paid  when  man  receives, 
T'  enjoy  is  to  obey." 

Let  me  travel  from  east  to  west,  or  between  north 
and  south,  when  I  meet  a  true  Brother  I  shall  find  a 
friend,  who  will  do  all  in  his  power  to  serve  me,  without 
having  the  least  view  of  self-interest ;  and  if  I  am  poor 
and  in  distress,  he  will  relieve  me  to  the  utmost  of  his 
power,  interest,  and  capacity.  This  is  the  second  grand 
principle  ;  for,  relief  will  follow  where  there  is  brotherly 
love. 

I  have  already  mentioned  our  general  charities  as  they 
are  at  present  conducted  ;12  it  remains  now  that  I  con- 
there  the  great  lessons  of  their  ancient  religion — morality,  humanity,  and 
friendship ;  to  abhor  persecution,  and  to  be  peaceable  subjects  under  the 
civil  government  wherever  they  reside.  And  as  for  other  knowledge, 
they  claim  as  large  a  share  of  it  as  other  men  in  their  situation." 

11  The  above  writer  thus  expresses  himself  'on  this  point  also  ;  and  his 
testimony  is  valuable,  because  it  is  addressed  to  Dr.  Anderson,  and  in- 
serted at  the  end  of  the  second  edition  of  his  Constitutions ;  and  shows 
the  opinion  of  the  craft  at  the  revival  of  Masonry  respecting  some  of  its 
fundamental  doctrines. — "  The  ancient  lodges,"  says  he,  "  were  so  many 
schools  or  academies  for  teaching  and  improveing  the  arts  of  designing, 
especially  architecture ;  and  the  present  lodges  are  often  employed  that 
way  in  lodge  hours,  or  else  in  agreeable  conversation,  though  without 
politics  or  party  feeling ;  and  none  of  them  are  ill  employed,  have  nr 
transactions  unworthy  of  an  honest  man  or  a  gentleman,  no  persona/ 
piques,  no  quarrels,  no  cursing  and  swearing,  no  cruel  mockings,  no  ob- 
scene talk,  or  ill  manners  ;  for  the  noble  and  eminent  Brethren  are  affable 
to  the  meanest ;  and  these  are  duly  respectful  to  their  betters  in  harmony 
and  proportion  ;  and  though  on  the  level,  yet  always  within  compass,  and 
according  to  the  square  and  plumb." 

13  Our  general  charities  are  now  in  a  very  flourishing  state.  The 
Schools  for  Boys  and  Girls,  the  Fund  of  Benevolence  for  Widows  and 
distressed  Brethren,  the  Annuity  Fund  for  aged  Brethren,  and  the  Asylum 
for  worthy  aged  and  decayed  Freemasons,  are  all  amply  supported.  In 
the  schools,  sixty-five  boys,  and  the  same  number  of  girls  are  educated 
and  clothed.  The  funded  property  of  the  girls'  school  is  about  16,000?., 
and  its  income  1600/.  a-year,  including  150/.  annually  from  the  Grand 
Lodge.  The  funded  property  of  the  .boys'  school  is  not  so  much ;  it 


342  ON    MASONIC    LIGHT, 

• 

aider  particular  donations  given  from  private  lodges, 
either  to  those  that  are  not  Masons,  or  to  a  Brother  in 
distress.  And  first,  with  respect  to  our  benevolent  fund  ; 
perhaps  it  is  better  to  be  distributed  in  small  sums,  that 
more  may  receive  the  benefit,  than  to  give  it  in  larger 
sums,  which  would  confine  it  to  few. 

With  regard  to  a  Brother  in  distress,  who  should  hap- 
pen to  apply  to  a  lodge,  or  to  any  particular  member  tor 
relief,  it  is  necessary  that  I  inform  you  in  what  mariner 
you  are  to  receive  him.  And  here  I  cannot  help  regret- 
ting, that  such  is  the  depravity  of  the  human  heart,  there 
is  no  religion  or  society  free  from  bad  professors,  or  un- 
worthy members;  for  as  it  is  impossible  for  us  to  read  the 
heart  of  man,  the  best  regulated  societies  may  be  im- 
posed on,  by  the  insinuations  of  the  artful,  and  hypocrisy 
of  the  abandoned.  It  should,  therefore,  by  no  means 
lessen  the  dignity  and  excellency  of  the  royal  craft,  be- 
cause it  is  our  misfortune  to  have  bad  men  among  us, 
any  more  than  the  purity  and  holiness  of  the  Christian 
religion  should  be  doubted,  because  too  many  of  the 
wicked  and  profligate  approach  the  holy  altar. 

Since,  therefore,  these  things  are  so,  be  careful  when- 
ever a  Brother  applies  for  relief,  to  examine  strictly 
whether  he  is  worthy  of  acceptance;  inquire  the  cliuse 
of  his  misfortunes,  and  if  you  are  satisfied  they  are  not 
the  result  of  vice  or  extravagance,  relieve  him  with  such 
a  sum  as  the  lodge  shall  think  proper,  and  assist  him  with 
your  interest  and  recommendation,  that  he  may  be  em- 
ployed according  to  his  capacity,  and  not  eat  the  bread 
of  idleness.  This  will  be  acting  consistent  with  truth, 
which  is  the  third  grand  principle  of  Masonry. 

amounts  only  to  8500/..  and  the  annual  income  is  about  1150/.,  including 
ISO/,  from  the  Grand  Lodge.  The  funded  property  of  the  royal  masonic 
annuity  fund  is  3500/.,  and  the  annual  income,  including  400/.  from  the 
Grand  Lodge,  is  1300/.  The  number  of  annuitants,  at  201.  a-year  each,  is 
now  thirty.  The  funded  property  of  the  asylum  is  about  3450/.,  and  its 
annual  income  from  other  sources  400/.  To  this  institution  the  Grand 
Lodge  contributes  nothing.  The  number  of  annuitants  on  the  asylum  is 
at  present  only  four  ;  because  since  the  cstnlili-  uincnt  of  the  annuity  fund 
it  has  declined  to  receive  any  more  candidates,  reserving  itself  until  the 
"temple"  is  built,  and  anticipating  the  union  of  both  charities.  The  sums 
annually  voted  by  the  Board  of  Benevolence  to  distressed  Brethren  and 
the  widows  of  Masons  amount  to  about  750/.,  and  its  funded  property  is 
12,000/. ;  and  that  of  the  Board  of  General  Purposes  about  6000/. 


TRUTH,    AND    CHARITY.  343 

Truth  is  a  divine  attribute,  and  the  foundation  of  all 
masonic  virtues ;  to  be  good  men  and  true,  is  part  of  the 
first  great  lesson  we  are  taught;  and  at  the  commence- 
ment of  our  freedom,  we  are  exhorted  to  be  fervent  and 
zealous  in  the  practice  of  truth  and  goodness.  It  is  not 
sufficient  that  we  walk  in  the  light,  unless  we  do  the 
truth.13  All  hypocrisy  and  deceit  must  be  banished  from 
us — sincerity  and  plain  dealing  complete  the  harmony  of 
the  Brethren,  within  and  without  the  lodge ;  and  will 
render  us  acceptable  in  the  sight  of  that  great  Being, 
"  unto  whom  all  hearts  are  open,  all  desires  known,  and 
from  whom  no  secrets  are  hid."  There  is  a  charm  in 
truth  that  draws  and  attracts  the  mind  continually  towards 
it ;  the  more  we  discover,  the  more  we  desire,  and  the 
great  reward  is,  wisdom,  virtue,  and  happiness.  This  is 
an  edifice  founded  upon  a  rock,  which  malice  cannot 
shake,  or  time  destroy. 

What  a  secret  satisfaction  it  is  to  Masons,  when,  in 
searching  for  truth,  they  find  the  rudiments  of  all  useful 
knowledge  still  preserved  among  us,  as  it  has  descended 
by  oral  tradition  from  the  earliest  ages!  and  to  find,  like- 
wise, this  truth  corroborated  by  the  testimonies  of  the 
best  and  greatest  men  the  world  has  produced !  But 
this  is  not  all,  the  sacred  writings  confirm  what  I  assert, 
the  sublime  part  of  our  ancient  mystery  being  there  to  be 
found  ;  nor  can  any  Christian  Brother  be  a  perfect  Ma- 
son that  does  .not  make  the  word  of  God  his  study. 
Indeed,  we  own  all  Masons- as  Brothers,  be  they  Chris- 

13  This  advice  is  precisely  the  recommendation  of  our  holy  religion.  We 
must  not  only  have  faith,  but  we  must  keep  the  commandments ;  for 
although  our  best  works  can  merit  nothing,  they  will  be  rewarded,  be- 
cause they  are  the  means  ordained  by  God  to  show  the  purity  of  our  faith. 
They  are  the  only  test  by  which  we  can  ascertain  whether  our  religion 
produces  its  proper  effect  in  the  heart.  A  tree  can  only  be  known  by  its 
fruit.  The  tree  which  never  bears  fruit,  or  bears  bad  and  cankered  fruit, 
which  is  the  same  thing,  would  be  properly  rooted  up  and  cast  into  the 
fire.  In  like  manner,  if  we  bear  no  fruit,  or  if  we  bear  evil  fruit,  God  will 
cut  us  dowrn,  and  cast  us  into  the  fire — the  fire  that  never  will  be 
quenched.  Thus  St.  John,  one  of  the  great  parallels  of  Masonry,  tells 
us  that  if  we  say  we  believe  in  Christ,  and  yet  do  not  obey  his  command- 
ments, the  truth  is  not  in  us.  "  Let  no  man  deceive  you,"  he  goes  on  to 
say,  "  he  only  that  doeth  righteousness,  is  righteous."  Our  faith,  therefore, 
must  show  itself  by  its  fruits;  it  must  work  by  love,  or  in  other  words, 
according  to  that  great  masonic  and  Christian  precept,  by  doing  to 
others  as  we  would  have  them  do  to  us. 


344  ON    MASONIC    LIGHT, 

tians,  Jews,  or  Mahometans14  (for  Masonry  is  universal, 
and  not  strictly  confined  to  any  particular  faith,  sect,  or 
mode  of  worship);  all  Masons,  I  say,  of  \vhatr\vr  religious 
denomination,  who  rule  their  passions  and  alli'ctions.  and 
square  their  actions  accordingly,  are  acknowledged  by  us 
as  Brothers;15  but,  for  our  parts,  the  holy  scripture  is  to  be 
studied  by  us,  and  occasionally  read  and  consulted.16 

14  A  very  severe  struggle  has  recently  taken  place  on  the  continent  to 
exclude  Jews  from  the  lodges;  but  it  will  fail,  because  at  variaiuv  with 
the  true  and  universal  spirit  of  Masonry.  On  the  3rd  of  March,  1842, 
this  very  important  matter  respecting  the  admission  of  Brethren  of  the 
Israelitish  persuasion,  in  possession  of  proper  certificates,  was  l»r<>ui:lii 
forward  before  the  Grand  Lodge  at  Berlin,  and  led  to  very  anii, 
debates.  After  many  eloquent  speeches,  made  with  a  spirit  of  ( Tiristian 
liberality,  by  Brothers  Schmuckert,  Klug,  Schmidt,  Vater,  L«-.-st.  and 
Messerschmit  in  favour  of  the  law  ;  and  Brothers  Von  Blomberir.  Mami, 
and  Van  Boeder,  expressing  their  opposition  to  the  law  :  nriruiiu-  that  a, 
Brother  in  possession  of  a  certificate  from  an  acknowledged  masonic 
lodge,  is  entitled  to  admission,  but  in  many  cases  a  lodge  has  tin:  power 
to  refuse  admittance ;  and  they  contended  that  as  Christianity  is  tin:  foun- 
dation of  Masonry.it  is  necessary  to  strive  against  the  prevailing  opinion, 
that  Masonry  encourages  infidelity.  The  Most  Worshipful  Grain!  A I 
thought  that  the  question,  "  whether  persons  belonging  to  the  religion  of 
Moses  should  be  admitted  as  Masons,  depends  solely  on  the  rites  of  which 
the  different  fraternities  have  been  established.  According  t<> 
the  Grand  Mother  Lodge  of  the  Three  Globes  is  founded  and  based  on 
Christian  principles,  and  consequently  the  membership  of  a  person  not 
belonging  to  the  Christian  church  is  not  admissible ;  but  it  is  character- 
istic of  our  system  to  be  just  and  tolerant  as  to  the  opinion  of  others. 
It  is  not  the  object  of  the  Grand  Lodge  not  to  acknowledge  as  Masons 
such  whose  ceremonies  are  not  based  on  the  rites  of  the  Christian  church, 
and  we  do  not  wish  it  to  be  considered  that  we  publicly  or  secretly  deny 
them  as  Free  and  Accepted  Masons/'  On  this  subject  there  has  been  a 
recent  correspondence  between  the  Earl  of  Zetland  and  the  Grand  Mast.-r 
of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Berlin,  which  has  ended  in  severing  the  connection 
between  them. 

16  This  is  according  to  the  spirit  of  our  constitution,  which  binds  every 
Brother  to  belong  to  that  religion  in  which  all  good  men  ought  to  agree, 
viz.,  to  be  a  good  man  and  a  true  citizen,  and  in  all  his  transactions  with 
the  world  to  reduce  to  practice  the  principles  of  honour  and  probity. 
Under  this  feeling,  it  is  hoped,  that  the  German  lodges  which  refuse  to 
receive  an  Israelite  into  their  tyled  recesses,  will  see  their  error,  and 
rescind  the  obnoxious  law.  In  all  English  lodges,  Jews  are  received  as 
members,  except  in  the  German  lodge.  London,  which  works  after  the 
system  of  Zinnendorf ;  but  even  it  admits  them  as  visitors. 

16  Or  in  other  words,  a  Christian  is  bound  to  practise  Masonry  as  a 
Christian  institution.  All  other  Masons  are  equally  bound  to  adore  the 
one  God,  the  Creator  of  heaven  and  earth  ;  for  an  infidel  or  an  atheist  is 
ineligible  for  admission.  Even  the  spurious  Freemasonry  had  a  similar 
requisition  ;  and  all  the  great  heathen  philosophers  admitted  the  existence 
of  a  Supreme  Being,  who  created  and  governs  the  world. 


TRUTH,    AND    CHARITY.  345 

Since  without  light  we  cannot  perceive  the  beauty  and 
excellency  of  truth,  and  since  we  are  certain  that  no  man 
can  be  a  worthy  Brother  who  is  wanting  in  either,  it 
may  not  be  improper  at  this  time  to  draw  the  character 
of  him  who  walks  in  the  light,  and  does  the  truth,  and 
who,  according  to  St.  John's  account,  is  worthy  of  the 
true  fellowship. 

As  we  call  any  building  or  piece  of  architecture  per- 
fect, which  hath  all  its  parts,  and  is  finished  and  com- 
pleted according  to  the  nicest  rules  of  art ;  a  Brother  is 
is.  in  like  manner,  said  to  be  a  good  Mason  who  has 
studied  and  knows  himself,  and  has  learnt  and  practises 
that  first  and  great  lesson  of  subduing  his  passions  and 
his  will,  and  tries  to  the  utmost  of  his  power  to  free  him- 
self from  all  vices,  errors,  and  imperfections ;  not  only 
those  that  proceed  from  the  heart,  but  likewise  all  other 
defects  of  the  understanding  which  are  caused  by  custom, 
opinion,  prejudice,  or  superstition  ;  he  who  asserts  the 
native  freedom  of  his  mind,  and  stands  fast  in  the  liberty 
that  makes  him  free;  whose  soul  is  (if  one  may  so  ex- 
press it)  universal,  and  well  contracted,  and  who  despises 
no  man  on  account  of  his  country  or  religion  ;  but  is 
ready  at  all  times  to  convince  the  world  that  truth, 
brotherly-love,  and  affording  relief,  are  the  grand  prin- 
ciples on  which  he  acts. 

His  whole  life  will  be  conformable  and  agreeable  to 
that  true  light,  the  law  of  God,  which  shines  clear  to  his 
heart,  and  is  the  model  by  which  he  squares  his  judg- 
ment.17 In  his  outward  behaviour  he  will  be  very  careful 

17  The  Kev.  Bro.  T.  Eyre  Poole,  P.  G.  Chap,  of  the  Bahamas,  has 
given  a  lucid  explanation  of  this  principle  in  his  sermon  on  the  creation 
of  light : — "  From  what  we  are  taught  by  the  lectures  and  workings  of 
our  lodges,  we  see  that  Masonry,  in  its  most  sacred  sense,  is  a  science  of 
light,  a  bright  beam,  a  noble  and  holy  system  of  practical  religion,  which 
derives  its  excellence  from,  and  would  ever  direct  its  children  to,  the  first 
grand  source  of  all  light — the  mighty  God,  the  everlasting  Father,  the 
Prince  of  Peace.  How,  then,  do  we  endeavour  to  be  affected  by  it  ?  Did 
we  embrace,  and  do  we  estimate  it,  professedly  and  abstractedly,  without 
concern  about  its  internal  excellencies,  winch,  if  duly  practised  and 
studied  according  to  our  time  and  abilities,  must  help  us  to  be  better 
Christians?  Did  we  unite  ourselves  with  it,  or  do  we  behave  as  if  we 
united  ourselves  with  it,  as  a  mere  society  to  be  desired  and  followed  solely 
for  its  exclusive  charity  and  peculiar  mysteries  ?  Heaven  forbid  !  At 
our  initiation  we  professed  to  believe;  and  we  have  been,  in  the  course 
of  our  regular  advancement,  subsequently  taught  and  made  to  know,  that 


346  ON   MASONIC: 

riot  to  give  private  or  public  offence,  and  (as  far  as  ap- 
pears to  him  right)  will  strictly  comply  with  the  laws, 
the  customs,  and  religious  institutions  of  the  country  in 
which  he  resides.  To  all  mankind  he  will  act  upon  the 
square,  and  do  to  others  as  he  would  have  them  do  unto 
him.  He  will  be  firm  and  consistent  with  himself,  and 
continually  in  expectation  and  on  his  guard  against  all 
accidents  to  which  this  life  is  exposed  ;  and  in  particular 
he  will  by  a  well-spent  life  be  daily  preparing  for  death, 
that  final  period  of  human  action,  which  sooner  or  later 
will  take  us  hence,  to  give  a  strict  account  of  our  stew- 
ardship and  the  improvement  of  our  talents.18 

In  fine,  all  good  Masons  should  he  pious,  prudent,  just, 
temperate,  and  resolutely  virtuous. 

From  what  I  have  advanced,  and  from  these  our  ancient 
charges,  I  hope  it  is  evident  to  every  one  present,  that  it 
is  the  duty  of  every  Mason  to  live  soberly,  righteously, 
and  godly  ;  or,  according  to  the  words  of  the  Evangelist, 
he  should  walk  in  the  light,  and  do  the  truth. 

Continue,  my  Brethren,  to  persevere  in  principles  that 
are  disinterested,  and  I  doubt  not  but  you  will  find  this 
room,  which  we  have  now  opened  and  dedicated  to  Ma- 
sonry, constantly  resorted  to  by  the  wise,  the  faithful, 
and  the  good. 

the  principles  of  Order  are  founded  upon  the  never-failing  base  of  revealed 
light,  or  true  religion.  And  we  cannot,  moreover,  forget  how  imperatively 
it  insists  upon  and  prizes  the  daily  practice  of  every  social,  moral,  and 
religious  virtue.  It  is,  consequently,  our  most  serious  duty,  as  professors 
of  this  light,  undeviatiugly  to  comply  with  its  important,  excellent,  and 
solemn  obligations."  I  cannot  allow  the  present  opportunity  to  passs  with- 
out strongly  recommending  the  above  sermon  to  the  notice  of  the  fraternity. 
18  To  this  lecture  was  subjoined  the  following  prayer,  written  by  Bro. 
Dunckerley,  which,  with  some  modifications,  is  at  present  used  in  our 
lodges  : — Most  holy  and  glorious  Lord  God,  thou  Architect  of  heaven 
and  earth,  who  art  the  giver  of  all  good  gifts  and  graces,  and  hast  pro- 
mised that,  where  two  or  three  are  gathered  together  in  Thy  name,  Thou 
wilt  be  in  the  midst  of  them  :  in  Thy  name  wo  assemble  and  meet  together, 
most  humbly  beseeching  Thee  to  bless  us  in  all  our  undertakings,  to  give 
us  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  to  enlighten  our  minds  with  wisdom  and  understand- 
ing, that  we  may  know  and  serve  Thee  aright,  that  all  our  doings  may 
tend  to  Thy  glory  and  the  salvation  of  our  souls ;  and  we  beseech  Thee, 
O  Lord  God,  to  bless  this  our  present  undertaking  and  to  grant  that  this, 
our  Brother,  may  dedicate  his  life  to  Thy  service,  and  be  a  true  and  faith- 
ful Brother  among  us  ;  endue  him  with  divine  wisdom,  that  he  may,  with 
the  secrets  of  Masonry,  be  able  to  unfold  the  mysteries  of  godliness  and 
Christianity.  This  we  humbly  beg  in  the  name,  and  for  the  sake  of 
Jesus  Christ,  our  Lord  and  Saviour.  Amen. 


TRUTH,    AND    CHARITY.  347 

Let  us  consider  the  intention  of  our  meetings  ;  let 
submission  to  your  officers,  and  brotherly  love  to  each 
other,  be  shown  by  your  diligent  attendance  in  the 
lodge  ;  and  be  very  careful  to  inquire  into  the  characters 
nrid  capacities  of  those  who  are  desirous  to  be  admitted 
among  you.iy 

Study  the  constitutions  and  charges,  and  improve  in 
the  fifth  science,20  as  far  .as  your  abilities  and  several  avo- 
cations will  permit.  Have  universal  benevolence  and 
Charity  for  all  mankind  ;  and  wherever  you  meet  vour 
necessitous  Brethren  dispersed,  relieve  them  u>  the  ut- 
most of  your  ability,  remembering,  notwithstanding,  not 
to  do  things  that  may  really  prejudice  yourselves  or 
families. 

"  Let  us  by  well-doing  put  to  silence  the  ignorance 
of  foolish  men.  As  free,  but  not  using  our  liberty  for  a 
cloak  of  maliciousness,  but  as  the  servants  of  God. 
Honour  all  men,  love  the  Brotherhood,  fear  God,  honour 
the  king." 

19  This  is  a  most  important  direction.  The  old  proverb  says  : — "  tell 
me  your  company,  and  I  will  tell  you  your  character."  A  more  than 
usual  care  is  necessary  in  Freemasonry,  because  secret  societies  are  more 
influenced  by  the  reputation  of  their  members  than  any  other.  For,  in- 
dependently of  the  ill-fame  which  is  sure  to  accompany  an  institution 
that  is  indifferent  in  the  choice  of  associates,  the  evil  influence  of  bad  ex- 
ample is  too  alarming  to  be  overlooked.  Who  can  touch  pitch  and  re- 
main undefiled  ?  who  can  associate  with  vicious  companions  and  preserve 
their  virtue  uncontaminated  ?  Example  is  all-powerful,  either  lor  good 
or  evil  ;  and  therefore  it  is  of  the  utmost  importance,  both  to  the  mem- 
bers individually  and  to  the  institution  in  general,  that  the  greatest  cir- 
cumspection should  be  used  with  respect  to  the  admission  of  candidates 
for  initiation.  Bro.  Dunckerley  saw  it  in  the  last  century,  when  innova- 
tions in  the  ritual,  as  well  as  unprincipled  conduct  in  a  host  of  masonic 
adventurers,  deformed  the  continental  Masonry  ;  and  it  is  equally  neces- 
sary in  these  days,  when  pure  Masonry  is  practised  in  the  lodges,  and  the 
Order  has  established  a  reputation  for  high  principle  and  universal  phi- 
lanthropy, which  requires  to  be  guarded  with  the  most  zealous  care. 

30  The  fifth  science  is  geometry  ;  and  the  explanations  of  it  formed  a 
principal  business  of  the  second  lecture,  as  used  at  the  above  period. 
14 


LECTURE    VIII. 

TUF    MASONIC    JEWELS    ILLUSTRATED    BY    THE    AID    OF 
MORAL    GEOMETRY.       ANONYMOUS. 

"  Lo,  where  our  silent  emblems  breathe 
Their  sacred  influence  o'er  the  soul, 
In  mystic  order  ranged  :  while  round  the  whole 

A  starry  zone  the  sister  virtues  wreathe. 
Ye,  who  by  compass,  square,  mid  line, 
Those  hidden  truths  can  well  divine, 

To  all  besides  unknown."  RODWKLL  WRIGHT. 

THE  mighty  Pillars  on  which  Masonry  is  founded,  arc 
those  whose  basis  is  Wisdom,  whose  shaft  is  Strength, 
and  whose  chapiter  is  Beauty.1  The  Wisdom  is  that 
which  descends  from  above,  and  is  first  pure,  then 
peaceable,  gentle  and  easy  to  be  entreated,  full  of  mercy 
and  good  fruits,  without  partiality,  and  without  hypo- 
crisy. 

The  Strength  is  that  which  depends  on    the    living 

1  It  will  be  observed  here  that  a  distinction  appears  to  have  been  made 
by  our  Brethren  of  old  between  the  pillars  supporting  Masonry  and  ilmse 
which  support  the  lodge.  The  latter  are  indeed  called  by  the  same  names, 
but  the  reference  is  different,  although  they  may  be  considered  types  of 
each  other.  The  lodge  thus  constructed  is  aptly  described  by  Bro.  Bancks, 
in  an  Ode  on  Masonry,  written  before  1738  : — 

Behold  the  lodge  rise  into  view, 

The  work  of  industry  and  art ; 
Tis  grand,  and  regular,  and  true, 

For  so  is  each  good  Mason's  heart 
Friendship  cements  it  from  the  ground, 
And  secresy  shall  fence  it  round. 

A  stately  dome  o'erlooks  the  East, 

Like  orient  Phoebus  in  the  morn  ; 
And  two  tall  pillars  in  the  West 

At  once  support  us  and  adorn. 
Upholden  thus  the  structure  stands, 
Untouch'd  by  sacrilegious  hands. 


THE    MASOXtC    JEAVELS    ILLUSTRATED.  349 

God,  who  resisteth  the  mighty,  and  scattereth  the  proud 
in  the  imaginations  of  their  hearts  ;  who  giveth  us 
power  to  resist  and  to  escape  all  temptation,  and  to 
subdue  our  evil  appetites.  A  strength  \vhich  is  a  refuge 
to  the  distressed,  a  bond  of  unity  and  love  amongst 
Brethren,  and  of  peace  and  quiet  in  our  own  hearts. 

Our  Beauty  is  such  as  adorns  all  our  actions  with 
holiness  ;  is  hewn  out  of  the  rock,  which  is  Christ,  and 
raised  upright  with  the  Plumb-line  of  the  Gospel ; 
squared  and  levelled  to  the  horizontal  of  God's  will,  in 
the  holy  lodge  of  St.  John  ;2  and  such  as  becomes  the 
Temple,  whose  maker  and  builder  is  God. 

On  sobriety  your  pleasure  depends  ;  on  regularity 
your  reputation,  The  ungovernable  passions  and  uncul- 
tivated nature  of  man,  stand  as  much  in  need  of  the 
Square  and  Compass  to  bring  them  into  order,  and  to 
adorn  us  with  the  beauty  of  holiness,  as  those  instru- 
ments of  Masonry  are  necessary  to  bring  rude  matter  into 
form,  or  to  make  a  block  of  marble  fit  for  the  polished 
corners  of  the  temple. 

Those  societies  dwindle  away  and  vanish  which  are 
not  contrived,  supported,  and  adorned  with  the  wisdom, 
strength,  and  beauty  of  our  most  ancient  and  honourable 
Order,  where  nobility  is  ennobled,  where  knowledge  is 
improved,  and  where  conversation  is  rendered  useful,  as 
Masons  and  rational  creatures  draw  no  design,  but  on 
the  Trestle-board  of  a  good  intention.  Though  we  are 
all  free  and  on  the  Level,  yet  it  is  our  duty  to  keep 
always  within  Compass,  and  to  conduct  ourselves  ac- 
cording to  the  Square  and  Plumb.3 

2  Here  is  a  most  distinct  and  lucid  description  of  primitive  Masonry 
applied  to  the  best  and  most  holy  feelings  of  every  Christian    Mason. 
Nothing  can  be  more  illustrative  of  the  belief  of  our  Brethren  of  the  last 
century  on  this  great  point ;  and  I  would  draw  general  attention  to  it, 
because  I  am  inclined  to  believe  it  to  be  a  quotation  from  a  lecture  ot 
very  ancient  date.     And  for  this  reason  it  was  ordained  in  the  famous 
charter   of  Cologne  that,  "  although  in  the  exercise  of  chanty  and  be- 
nevolence, we  neither  regard  country  nor  religion,  yet  we  consider  it  both 
necessary  and  prudent  to  initiate  no  one  into  our  mysteries  except  those 
who,  in   the   society  of  the   uninitiated   and   unenlightened,  profess   the 
Christian  religion." 

3  A  reverend  Mason  of  the  last  century  thus  beautifully  applies  these 
jewels  : — "  By  these  he  learns  to  reduce  rude  matter  into  due  form,  and 
rude  manners  into  the  more  polished  shape  of  moral  and  religious  recti- 
tude ;  becoming  thereby  a  more  harmonious  corner-stone  of  symmetry  iu 


350  THE    MASONIC    JKWKL.S    ILLUSTRATED 

There  is  no  conversation  more  useful  than  that  which 
promotes  morality,  charity,  good-fellowship,  ,<z;ood-nature. 
and  humanity.  Society  has  harmony  in  i lie  very  word, 
but  much  more  in  the  application  of  it ;  for  it  is  to  it  \\e 
owe  all  arts  and  sciences.  Until  the  dust  and  cobwebs 
of  a  man's  study  are  brushed  off  him  by  conversation, 
he  is  utterly  unfit  for  human  society.  A  good  genius 
not  cultivated  this  way,  is  like  a  rich  diamond,  whos 
beauty  is  indiscernable  till  polished. 

Prudence  is  the  queen  and  guide  of  all  other  virtues  . 
the  ornament  of  our  actions;  the  Square  and  Rule 
of  all  our  affairs.  Faith,  Hope,  and  Charity  are  the 
three  principal  graces  by  which  we  ascend  to  the 
Grand  Celestial  Lodge,  where  pleasures  flow  for  ever- 
more. 

Let  every  true  Mason  knock  off  every  evil  disposition 
by  the  Gavel  of  righteousness  and  mercy ;  measure  out 
his  actions  by  the  Rule  of  one  day;  fit  them  to  the 
Square  of  prudence  and  equity  ;  keep  them  within  the 
bounds  of  the  Compass  of  moderation  and  temperance ; 
adjust  them  by  the  true  Plumb-line  of  Gospel  sinceri- 
ty ;4  bring  them  up  to  the  just  Level  of  perfection; 
and  spread  them  abroad  with  the  silent  Trowel  of 
peace. 

These  implements  of  architecture  form  the  jewels  of 
Masonry,  which,  under  the  name  of  Geometry,5  was 

the  structure  of  human  society,  until  he  is  made  a  glorified  corner-stone 
in  the  temple  of  God,  made  without  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens.  In 
the  lodge  he  learns  to  apply  the  square  of  justice  to  all  his  actions  ;  the 
level  of  humanity  and  benevolence  to  all  his  brother  men  ;  and  by  the 

Slumb-line  of  fortitude  to  support  himself  through  all  the  dangers  and 
ifficulties  of  this  our  fallen,  feeble  state." 

4  The  plumb  is  an  instrument  used  by  operative  masons  for  adjusting 
uprights,  and  is  one  of  the  movcable  jewels  of  speculative  Masonry.  If 


just,  and  maintains  his  integrity,  will  shine  as  the  stars  in  the  firmament. 
and  as  the  sun  for  ever  and  ever. 

6  The  old  Constitutions  of  Masonry  affirm  that  "  while  Noah.  Shera, 
and  Heber,  diverted  themselves  at  TJr'in  mathematical  studies,  teaching 
Peleg  the  father  of  Rehu,  father  of  Serug,  father  of  Nachor,  father  of' 
Terah,  father  of  Abraham,  a  learned  race  of  mathematicians  and  geo- 
metricians ;  and  they  expatiate  on  Abraham's  great  skill  in  geometry, 
and  of  his  teaching  it  to  many  scholars,  though  all  the  sons  oV  the  free 
born  only."  See  Anderson's  Constitutions,  p.  7,  ed  1738. 


BY    THE    AID    OF    MORAL    GEOMETRY.  351 

practised  by  many  an  ancient,  wise,  and  worthy  Bro- 
ther.6 Let  us,  then,  enquire  how  the  symbolical  meaning 
of  these  implements  will  harmonize  with  the  morality 
which  is  deducible  from  the  principles  of  this  compre- 
hensive science. 

A  point  is  an  inactive  affective  disposition  or  inclina- 
tion to  the  several  duties  of  man,  and  is  the  beginning 
of  every  active  duty.  It  is  also  the  beginning  of  every 
advantage,  profit,  pleasure,  or  happiness,  that  flows  from 
the  observation  or  performance  of  such  a  duty. 

The  flowing  of  a  point  generates  a  line.  A  line  is 
therefore  any  duty  in  general,  or  any  reward,  profit,  or 
pleasure  annexed  to  such  duty.  Lines  are  of  two  sorts; 
right  and  perfect,  or  crooked  and  imperfect.  A  crooked 
or  imperfect  line  is  an  inconstant,  interrupted,  or  imper- 
fect duty. 

A  right  line  is  a  duty  persisted  in  with  constancy;  or 
any  uninterrupted  advantage,  profit,  pleasure,  or  happi- 
ness. That  which  hath  no  dependance  on  any  other 
thing  to  make  it  perfect,  is  perfect  in  itself,  and  is  a  right 
line.  Every  divine  command  is  a  right  line,  and  also  the 
sincerity  with  which  such  a  command  ought  to  be  per- 
formed.7 Every  line  representing  a  duty  to  be  performed 
may  be  supposed  to  contain  all  the  particular  branches 
of  that  duty  ;  for  the  branches  or  parts  of  any  duty  must 
of  consequence  make  up  the  whole  duty  itself. 

The  flowing  of  a  line  generates  a  surface.8     A  surface, 

6  Dr.  Anderson  has  embodied  these  in  his  Master's  Song  : — 

At  length  the  Grecians  came  to  know 

Geometry,  and  learned  the  art, 
Pythagoras  was  raised  to  show, 

And  glorious  Euclid  to  impart. 
Great  Archimedes  too  appear'd, 

And  Carthagean  masters  bright ; 
Till  Roman  citizens  uprear'd 

The  art  of  wisdom  and  delight. 

7  It  is  worthy  of  notice  that  in  most  languag.es  the  word  which  is  used 
in  a  direct  sense  to  indicate  straightness  of  course  or  perpendicularity  of 
position,  is  also  employed  in  a  figurative  sense  to  express  uprightness  of 
conduct.     Such  are  the  Latin  rectum,  which  signifies  at  the  same  time  a 
right  line,  and   honesty  or   integrity ;   the  Greek   OQ&OS  which  means 
straight,  and   also   equitable,  just,  and   true  ;  and   the    Hebrew  tsedek, 
which,  in  a  physical  sense,  denotes  Tightness,  straightness,  and,  in  a  moral 
sense,  that  which  is  right  and  just.     Our  own  word  RIGHT,  partakes  of 
this  peculiarity. 

8  A  sect  of  the  Pythagoreans  held  that  a  body  consists  of  one  point ; 
the  point  by  fluxion  makes  a  line  ;  the  line  by  fluxion  makes  a  superfi- 


THE    MASONIC    JEWELS    ILLUSTRATED 

therefore,  is  perfect  duty.  Duty  is  either  theoretical  or 
])raciical.  The  sum  of  theoretical  duty  is  the  whole 
system  of  divine  commands.  Practical  duties  are  those 
commands  as  existing  in  practice. 

In  the  consideration  of  theoretical  duties,  if  \\c  sup- 
pose each  line  of  divine  command  to  be  of  equal  magni- 
tude, and  to  be  placed  directly  upon  each  other,  tiiev 
will  form  a  surface,  containing  the  whole  system  of 
divine  law,  and  this  surface  will  be  a  square  ;  for  the 
length  and  breadth  of  the  law  are  equal.  But  if  we 
suppose  these  laws  or  duties  each  one  to  be  of  lesser  or 
greater  magnitude  than  the  other,  it  will  follow  that  the 
whole  system  of  divine  laws  is  as  a  right  lined  triangle 
whose  base  is  equal  to  its  altitude. 

Every  duty  in  practice,  if  perfect  and  complete,  is  a 
square  surface;  for  every  part  of  the  practice  of  thai 
duty  should  be  supported  by  a  line  of  sincerity,  of  equal 
length  with  the  duty  itself;  for  any  duty  is  of  the  same 
length  or  extent  with  the  sincerity  with  which  it  should 
be  performed.  The  truth  of  this  depends  on  the  sup- 
position that  all  the  parts  of  any  duty  are  of  equal 
length.  What  obedience  the  supreme  legislature  enjoins 
is  exactly  of  the  same  length  or  extent  as  that  will,  by 
which  it  is  enjoined.  And  every  part  of  that  obedience 
is  built  or  founded  on  that  very  same  will ;  wherefore 
obedience  to  any  one  particular  command  is  as  a  square 
or  a  triangle. 

Whatever  line  stands  in  need  of  some  other  lines  to 
make  all  its  parts  perfect,  will  be  as  a  square  or  a  tri- 
angle. Every  right  lined  triangle  whose  base  is  equal  to 
its  altitude,  is  equal  to  a  rectangle  or  oblong  square, 
whose  length  is  equal  to  twice  its  breadth.9  Whence 

cies  ;  the  superficies  moved  to  thickness  makes  a  solid.  Another  sect 
contended  that  of  the  two  principles,  the  monad  and  duad  were  made 
numbers  ;  of  numbers  were  made  points,  lines,  superficies,  and  solids.  Thus 
solid  bodies  are  produced  of  numbers,  and  contain  fire,  water,  earth,  and 
air,  which  comprise  the  proportions  that  constitute  perfect  harmony. 

9  Of  quadrangular  figures,  the  Pythagoreans  believed  that  the  Divine 
Essence  was  represented  by  a  square  ;  because  rectitude  imitates  inflexi- 
bility, and  equality,  firm  power  ;  for  motion  proceeds  from  inequality, 
and  rest  from  equality.  The  gods,  therefore,  who  are  authors  of  all  con- 
sistent things  which  move  in  order  and  regularity,  are  not  improperly 
represented  bv  the  figure  of  a  square.  The  right  angle  was  a  symbol  of 
the  female  deities  Ceres,  Vesta,  and  Rhea. 


BY    THE    AID    OF    MORAL    GEOMETRY.  353 

the  magnitude  of  such  an  oblong  square  is  as  the  mag- 
nitude of  the  whole  divine  law  in  theory.  In  this  pro- 
portion was  the  breadth  and  height  of  Solomon's  temple, 
so  that  the  very  walls  in  this  respect  were  an  emblem 
of  the  divine  law. 

A  plain  angle  is  the  mutual  inclination  to  each  other 
of  two  lines  which  touch  one  another  in  a  plane,  and  so 
as  not  to  make  one  right  line.  Or  rather  it  is  the  space 
contained  betwixt  them  and  the  arch  of  a  circle,  de- 
scribed from  one  right  line  to  the  other,  from  the  point 
of  their  meeting  as  a  centre.10 

The  perfect  sincerity  of  one  right  line  to  another  form- 
ing an  angle,  is  as  the  line  of  that  angle,  the  line  of 
duty  being  radius.  An  ac-ute  angle  is  imperfect  sinceri- 
ty. An  obtuse  angle  is  injustice.  Join  sincerity  per- 
fectly to  any  duty,  and  it  forms  justice;  and  is  equal  to 
an  angle  of  ninety  degrees. 

A  triangle  is  a  plain  surface  contained  by  three  right 
lines.  An  emblem  of  friendship.  An  equilateral  tri- 
angle is  perfect  friendship.  The  base  of  a  triangle  may  be 
as  a  duty,  the  perpendicular  as  the  sincerity  of  perform- 
ance, and  the  hypothenuse  as  the  advantage  arising 
from  the  performance.  If  the  duty  of  sincerity  flow 
equally,  the  advantage  will  flow  equally. 

A  solid  hath  length,  breadth,  and  thickness ;  and  is 
generated  by  the  flowing  of  a  superficies.11  A  solid,  then, 

10  It  is  very  extraordinary,  but  true,  for  it  is  recorded  in  the  Ayen 
Akbery  that  the  ancient  Hindoos  were  fully  acquainted  with  the  occult 
properties  of  the  circle  ;  for  they  pronounced  the  proportions  between 
the  diameter  and  circumference  to  be  as  1250  to  3927  ;  which  is  very 
near  the  quadrature  of  the  circle  as  given  by  Metius  many  centuries  after- 
wards.    For  the  purpose  of  obtaining  this  result,  it  was  necessary  to 
inscribe  in  a  circle  a  polygon  of  768  sides,  which  they  could  not  have 
performed  without  a  knowledge  of  the  properties  of  a  circle,  and  the  ex- 
traction of  the  square  root  to  the  ninth  power,  each  to  ten  places  of  deci- 
mals.    A  wonderful  acquisition  of  geometrical  knowledge  for  those  early 
ages. 

11  The  followers  of  Pythagoras  thus  philosophize  on  these  known  prin- 
ciples of  geometry,  which  they  assimilate  with  their  favourite  science  of 
numbers  : — '•  Monad  hath  the  nature  of  the  efficient  cause,  Duad  of  pas- 
sive matters  ;  and  after  the  same  manner  as  they  produced  numbers  which 
consist  of  them,  they  composed  the  world  also,  and  all  things  in  it.     A 
point  is  correspondent  to  the  monad,  for  the  monad  is  indivisible  as  well 
as  the  point,  and  is  the  principle  of  numbers  as  the  point  is  of  lines.    A 
line  is  correspondent  to  the  duad,  both  are  considered  by  transition.     A 
line  is  length  without  breadth,  extended  between  two  points.    A  superfr- 


3-54  THE    MASONIC    JEWELS    ILLUSTRATED 

is  the  whole  system  of  divine  laws,  as  existing  in  prac- 
tice. For  if  every  duty  in  practice  and  prrt«Ttion  is  a 
superficies,  it  will  follow  that  when  they  are  all  laid  one 
upon  each  other,  there  will  be  formed  a  solid  ;  and  this 
solid  will  be  a  rectangled  triangular  pyramid,  whose  al- 
titude, and  the  length  and  breadth  of  its  bas»>,  are  all 
equal.12  For  the  length,  breadth,  and  height  of  the  whole 
law  in  practice  must  be  equal. 

The  application  of  these  principles  to  the  moveable 
jewels  of  Masonry  will  show  their  moral  adaptation  to 
the  daily  purposes  of  social  life. 

It  was  asserted  by  Aristotle,  "  that  he  who  bears  the 
shocks  of  fortune  valiantly,  and  demeans  himself  up- 
rightly, is  truly  good,  arid  of 'a  square  posture  without 
reproof."  Ndw  he  that  would  smooth  himself  into  such 
a  perfect  square  posture,  should  often  try  himself  by  the 
perfect  Square  of  justice  arid  equity.  For  "  thou  shalt 
love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy  heart,  with  all  thy 
mind,  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy  strength ;  and 
thy  neighbour  as  thyself;  by  doing  to  all  men  as  we 
would  they  should  do  unto  us."13 

cies  corresponds  to  the  triad  ;  besides  length,  whereby  it  was  a  duad,  it 
receives  a  third  distance,  breadth.  Again,  setting  down  three  points, 
two  opposite,  the  third  at  the  junction  of  the  lines  made  by  the  two,  we 
represent  a  superficies.  The  solid  figure  and  the  body,  as  a  pyramid, 
answer  the  tetrad,  if  we  lay  down  three  points  and  set  over  them  another 
point,  behold  the  pyramidical  form  of  a  solid  body  which  hath  three 
dimensions,  length,  breadth,  and  thickness."  See  more  of  this  in  Stanley's 
Lite  of  Pythagoras. 

l'2  The  quadrangular  pyramid  was  anciently  supposed  to  contain  many 
mysterious  and  symbolical  references.  It  allegorized  the  soul,  or  the  prin- 
ciple of  immortality.  And  this  opinion  was  not  peculiar  to  the  Pytha- 
goreans, but  was  admitted  in  Egypt,  India,  China,  and  the  extremest 
regions  of  the  west.  The  high  altar  of  Vitzliputzli  in  Mexico  was  pyra- 
midical, as  was  also  the  celebrated  temple  at  Nankeen. 

13  This  is  the  true  doctrine  of  Christianity,  for  its  founder  declared  that 
these  two  duties  included  all  the  philosophy  and  religion  of  Jew,  Gentile, 
or  Christian.  And  it  was  the  salutary  effect  of  such  precepts  that  in- 
duced the  theosophists  and  illuminists  of  the  last  century  to  banish  them 
from  Freemasonry.  It  was  with  a  view  to  the  expulsion  of  Christianity 
from  the  Order,  that  Knigge,  in  an  epistle  to  his  coadjutor  Zwack  said, — 
"  The  Jewish  theosophy  was  a  mystery,  like  the  Eleusinian  or  the  Pytha- 
gorean, unfit  for  the  vulgar.  And  thus  the  doctrines  of  Christianity  were 
committed  to  the  Adepti,  in  a  disciplina  arcani.  By  these  they  were 
maintained  like  the  vestal  fire.  They  were  kept  up  only  in  hidden  socie- 
ties, who  handed  them  down  to  posterity  ;  and  they  are  now  possessed  by 
the  genuine  Freemasons"  But  he  goes  on  to  say,  "I  have  put  meaning 


BY    THE    AID    OF    MORAL    GEOMETRY.  355 

This  .Square,  if  well  applied,  will  perfectly  show  where 
the  Gavel14  and  the  Chisel  should  be  employed,  and  how 
far  their  use  is  necessary.  But  that  we  may  make  no 
mistake  in  the  application  of  the  Square,13  it  will  be  ne- 
cessary to  show  the  nature  of  its  construction,  and  then 
its  use  will  be  easy. 

The  Square,  then,  is  the  theory  of  universal  duty,  and 
consisteth  of  two  right  lines,  forming  an  angle  of  perfect 
sincerity,  or  ninety  degrees  ;16  the  longest  side  is  the  sum 
of  the  lengths  of  the  several  duties  we  owe  to  the  Su- 
preme Being  ;  the  other  is  made  up  of  the  lengths  of  the 

to  all  these  dark  symbols,  and  have  prepared  both  degrees,  introducing 
beautiful  ceremonies,  which  I  have  selected  from  among  those  of  the  an- 
cient communions,  combined  with  those  of  the  Rosaic  Masonry ;  and 
hence  it  will  appear  that  we  are  the  only  true  Christians.  But  all  this  is 
only  a  cloak  to  prevent  squeamish  people  from  starting  back." 

14  "  The  mallet  or  hammer  used  by  the  Master  and  Wardens  in  regu- 
lating the  lodge,  is  called  a  gavel,  and  sometimes  a  Hiram.  It  is  used 
by  the  operative  mason  to  break  off  tiie  corners  of  the  rough  ashlar,  and 
thus  fit  it  the  better  for  the  builder's  use,  and  is  therefore  adopted  as  a 
symbol  in  speculative  Masonry,  to  admonish  us  of  the  duty  of  divesting 
our  minds  and  consciences  of  all  the  vices  and  impurities  of  life,  thereby 
fitting  our  bodies,  as  living  stones,  for  that  spiritual  building  not  made 
with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens.  Hence,  too,  we  see  the  propriety  of 
adopting  the  gavel  as  the  instrument  for  maintaining  order  in  the  lodge. 
For,  as  the  lodge  is  an  imitation  of  the  temple,  and  each  member  repre- 
sents a  stone  thereof,  so,  by  the  influence  of  the  gavel,  all  the  ebullitions 
of  temper,  and  the  indecorum  of  frivolity,  are  restrained,  as  the  material 
stones  of  that  building  were,  by  the  same  instrument,  divested  of  their 
asperities  and  imperfections."  (American  Lectures.) 

16  The  square  is  one  of  the  working  tools  of  a  fellowcraft,  and  the  jewel 
of  the  W.  M.  Its  use  amongst  operative  masons  is  to  lay  lines  and  prove 
horizontals,  that  the  stones  of  a  building  may  be  accurately  placed  in 
their  respective  positions.  To  the  speculative  Mason  it  is  an  emblem  of 
morality  and  justice ;  and  as,  by  the  application  of  the  square,  the  sta- 
bility of  the  building  is  proved ;  so  by  the  application  of  the  princi- 
ples of  morality  and  justice,  our  actions  are  proved  or  condemned,  as 
they  are  founded  on,  or  depart  from,  these  eternal  and  immutable  princi- 
ples. 

16  There  is  an  ingenious  and  simple  method  of  proving  that  the  area, 
of  a  circle  is  equal  to  the  rectangle  of  one-half  the  circumference,  by 
one-half  the  diameter ;  or  in  other  words,  is  equal  to  that  of  a  right 
angled  parallellogram,  two  of  whose  sides  are  equal  to  one-half  the  dia- 
meter. Suppose  a  circle  to  be  taken,  and  numerous  radii  to  be  drawn 
from  its  centre  to  its  circumference  at  equal  distances  from  each  other ; 
then  let  the  circle  be  divided  into  two  parts,  each  a  semicircle  ;  cut 
through  the  radial  lines  from  the  centre  close  to  the  circumference,  and 
open  each  semicircle  out  so  that  the  circumference  of  each  part  shall 
become  a  straight  line ;  the  points  of  one  piece  will  fit  exactly  into  tho 
spaces  of  the  other,  and  the  rectangle  in  question  will  be  formed. 
14* 


356  THE    MASONIC    JKWKLS     1LLISTRATED 

several  duties  we  owe  to  all  men.  And  every  man  should 
be  agreeable  to  this  Square  when  perfectly  finished. 

For  if  it  be  allowed  that  no  duty  we  owe  to  the 
Supreme  Being  should  be  omitted,  and  that  we  onuhr  10 
be  equally  forward  to  the  performance  of  every  one  ;  it 
will  thence  follow  that  this  great  duty,  geometrically 
considered,  may  be  as  a  right  line.  Again,  if  love  to  the 
Supreme  Being  be  an  animating  principle,  and  if  the  love 
we  owe  to  all  men  (when  in  its  greatest  perfection)  flows 
directly  (sincerely  or  right  forward)  from  this  principle, 
it  will  thence  follow  that  our  whole  duty,  geometrically 
considered,  may  be  as  a  rectangular  plane ;  and  therefore 
ought  perfectly  to  coincide  with  the  perfect  Square  of 
theoretical  duties. 

This  being  premised,  it  will  be  no  very  hard  thing  even 
for  an  apprentice  to  handle  the  Gavel,17  the  Chisel,  and 
the  Square,  witli  dexterity  and  judgment.  For  whatever 
is  preferred  before  the  greatest  of  duties,  love  to  the  Su- 
preme Being  will  of  consequence  be  projected  beyond  it, 
and  therefore  of  necessity  must  be  cut  off. 

Again,  whatever  is  preferred  before  that  great  duty  of 
equity  we  owe  to  all  men,  and  as  performed  in  upright- 
ness and  sincerity  to  the  first  great  duty,  love  to  the 
Deity  is  of  consequence  projected  beyond  it,  and  there- 
fore of  necessity  must  be  cut  off,  in  order  that  the  Square 
may  fit  just  and  easy  each  way.  When  this  is  done,  the 
Stone,  or  rough  Ashlar,18  is  completely  finished,  and  the 
Gavel  and  Chisel  may  be  laid  aside  till  the  Square  dis- 
covers some  other  irregularity.19 

17  With  a  small  working  tool  the  Master  of  a  lodge  governs  the  most 
numerous  meetings.     The  blow  of  the  Master's  hammer  commands  in- 
dustry, silence,  or  the  close  of  labour,  and  every  Brother  respects  and 
honours  its  sound.     In  so  far,  the  gavel  is  a  symbol  of  the  power  of  the 
Master.     It  must  never  be  lost  sight  of  at  the  meeting  of  the  lodge ;  and 
should  the  Master  be  unavoidably  compelled  to  leave  the  lodge-room,  he 
must  deliver  it  to  his  deputy  or  Past  Master,  or  some  other  skilful  Bro- 
ther.   The  Wardens  do  not  govern  the  lodge  with  their  gavels,  they 
only  direct  attention  by  them  to  the  commands  of  the  W.  M.  (Freema- 
sons' Lexicon.) 

18  The  ancient  savages  of  America  had  a  perfect  ashlar,  which  they 
applied  to  the  most  sacred  purposes,  although  it  was  of  a  very  diminutive 
size,  being  a  cube  of  only  three  inches.     It  was  composed  of  crystal,  so 
very  transparent  that  the  grain  of  a  man's  skin  might  be  seen  through 
it ;  and,  according  to  tradition,  when  placed  in  their  temples,  it  became 
so  very  heavy  that  they  were  unable  to  move  it. 

19  How  wretchedly  these  symbolical  references  were  wrested  from  their 


BY  THE  AID  OF  MORAL  GEOMETRY.        357 

Sincerity  and  uprightness  are  qualifications  absolutely 
necessary  in  every  member  of  a  well-formed  society. 
For  as  there  is  no  medium  betwixt  sincerity  and  dissimu- 
lation, so  of  consequence  he  that  is  not  a  sincere  man 
must  be  a  deceitful  one,  than  which  none  can  be  more 
pernicious  to  such  a  society.  If  mutual  trust  arid  confi- 
dence be  necessary  to  its  support,  then  of  consequence 
that  society  must  fall  whose  members  want  sincerity. 

And  certainly  those  who  make  110  conscience  wilfully 
to  defeat  that  good-natured  confidence  which  they  have 
caused  to  be  reposed  in  them  by  any  other,  have  un- 
doubtedly rotten  hearts,  and  a  very  large  share  of  dissimu- 
lation, impudence,  and  imposture. 

It  is  possible  that  some  such  as  these  may  value  them- 
selves on  the  Square ;  but  let  me  ask,  how  do  they  look 
unless  they  stand  upright  in  the  building?  Thus  you 
plainly  see  the  unfitness  and  absurdity  of  placing  any 
trust  or  confidence  in  the  weak  supports  of  dissimulation 
and  imposture.  On  the  contrary,  he  that  would  be 
accounted  a  man,  and  worthy  of  trust,  let  him  pursue 
the  great  qualify  ing  virtue,  sincerity,  or  let  him  not  hypo- 
critically assume  that  sacred  title  :  neither  let  him  think 
himself  upright  because  he  is  sincere  in  a  few  particulars ; 
for  this  would  be  a  vain  deception.  Sincerity  is  an  uni- 
versal duty ;  neither  can  that  man  be  said  to  be  so  who 
cannot  stand  the  test  of  the  true  Plumb-line  of  gospel 
sincerity.20  And  he  that  is  truly  Square,  well  polished, 

original  purpose  in  the  system  of  Illumiuism,  the  following  extract  will 
show.  The  words  are  those  of  Weishaupt,  the  founder  of  the  order,  in  a 
letter  to  his  associate,  Zwack.  "  The  three  conditions  of  human  society 
are  expressed  by  the  rough,  the  split,  and  the  polished  stone.  The  rough 
stone,  and  the  one  that  is  split,  express  our  condition  under  civil  govern- 
ment ;  rough,  by  every  fretting  irregularity  of  condition  :  and  split, 
since  we  are  no  longer  one  family,  and  are  farther  divided  by  differences 
of  government,  rank,  property,  and  religion  ;  but  when  reunited  in  one 
family,  we  are  represented  by  the  polished  stone.  G.  is  Grace;  the 
Flaming  Star  is  the  Torch  of  Keason.  Those  who  possess  this  know- 
ledge are  indeed  Illuminati."  ! ! ! 

20  In  the  book  from  which  I  extracted  the  present  lecture,  I  find  the 
following  curious  memento  : — 

M — Magnitude,  Moderation,  Magnanimity. 

A— Affability,  Affection,  Attention. 

S — Silence,  Secresy,  Security. 

0 — Obedience,  Order,  (Economy. 

N — Noble,  Natural,  Neighbourly. 

R — Rational,  Reciprocative,  Receptive. 

Y— Yielding,  Ypight  (fixed),  Tare  (ready). 


358  THE    MASONIC    JEWELS    ILLUSTRATED 

and  thus  uprightly  fixed,  is  well  <{ii;ilifi<Mi  and  fit  to  be  a 
member  of  the  most  honourable  society  that  ever  existed. 

He  that  trusteth  such  an  one  with  any  possible  en- 
gagement, is  freed  from  all  trouble  and  anxiety  about  the 
performance  of  it ;  for  his  words  are  the  breathings  of 
his  very  heart;  he  promiseth,  and  is  faithful  to  his  trust, 
and  is  an  utter  stranger  to  things  of  a  double  meaning. 
And  as  he  endeavoureth  at  all  times  to  give  satisfaction 
to  others;  so  he  is  sure,  as  a  reward  for  his  constancy,  to 
be  admitted  a  member  in  that  most  amiable  society, 
where  every  individual  is  perfectly  square,  perfectly  pol- 
ished, and  perfectly  upright. 

The  prophet  David,  who  was  a  great  lover  of  Masonry, 
expresseth  himself  excellently  well  to  this  purpose  in  tin- 
fifteenth  Psalm  :  "  Lord,"  says  he,  "who  shall  abide  in 
Thy  holy  tabernacle?  who  shall  dwell  in  Thy  holy  hilly 
he  that  walketh  uprightly,  and  worketh  righteousness, 
and  speaketh  the  truth  in  his  heart;  he  that  backbiteth 
not  with  his  tongue,  nor  doth  evil  to  his  neighbour,  nor 
taketh  up  a  reproach  against  his  neighbour.  In  whose 
eyes  a  vile  person  is  contemned,  but  he  honoureth  them 
that  fear  the  Lord.  He  that  sweareth  to  his  own  hurt 
and  changeth  not.  He  that  putteth  not  out  his  money 
to  usury,  nor  taketh  reward  against  the  innocent.  He 
that  doeth  these  things  shall  never  be  moved." 

Which  is  explained  thus  : — 

Masonry,  of  things,  teaches  how  to  attain  their  just     .  Magnitude. 

To  inordinate  affections,  the  art  of         ....  Moderation. 

It  inspires  the  soul  with  true Magnanimity. 

It  also  teaches  us Affability. 

To  love  each  other  with  true Affection. 

And  to  pay  to  things  sacred  a  just        ....  Attention. 

It  instructs  us  how  to  keep Silence. 

To  maintain Secresy. 

And  preserve Security. 

Also,  to  whom  it  is  due, Obedience. 

To  observe  good Order. 

And  a  commendable     .......  (Economy. 

It  likewise  teaches  us  how  to  be  worthily  .        .  Noble. 

Truly   . Natural. 

And,  without  reserve,        ......  Neighbourly. 

It  instils  principles  indisputably Rational. 

And  forms  in  us  a  disposition    .....  Reciprocative. 

And     ..........  Receptive. 

It  makes  us,  to  things  indifferent,       ....  Yielding. 

To  what  is  absolutely  necessary,  perfectly      .        .        .  Ypight. 

to  do  all  that  is  truly  good  most  willingly  .        .  Tare. 


BY    THE    AID    OF    MORAL    GEOMETRY.  359 

Whoever  expects  the  kind  assistance  of  others,  should 
by  all  means  endeavour  to  deserve  it,  by  contributing  all 
in  his  power  to  the  happiness  of  all  men. 

He  should  put  his  hand  to  the  Trowel  of  peace  and 
beneficence,  and  not  lay  it  by  so  long  as  he  is  able  to  join 
one  stone  to  the  building;21  for  beneficence,  or  active 
goodness,  is  the  perfection  of  that  good-will  we  owe  to 
all  mankind ;  not  excepting  those  who  differ  from  us 
either  in  rank,  persuasion,  or  otherwise. 

And  though  prejudice  or  partiality  may  prevail  with 
some  weak  minds,  stiffly  to  refuse  doing  good  to  those 
who  cannot  think  or  do  as  they  do ;  yet  let  them  remem- 
ber that  the  Almighty  Being  has  laid  this  injunction  upon 
us,  and  therefore  we  should  not  withhold  our  hand  when 
it  is  in  our  power  to  do  good.  But  if  prejudice  must 
cavil,  know  then,  that  if  we  differ  more  from  the  in- 
finitely great  perfections  of  the  Deity  than  we  possibly 
can  from  one  another,  it  will  thence  follow,  that  if  wo 
refuse  to  do  good  when  it  is  in  uur  power  to  do  it,  and 
because  they  differ  from  us,  then  the  Almighty  Being,  for 
the  same,  reason,  may  withhold  his  hand  from  us,  the 
fatal  consequence  of  which  I  leave  you  to  consider. 
"  As  we  frave  therefore  opportunity,  let  us  do  good  to 
all  men." 

Let  us  endeavour  to  reform  the  wicked  and  impenitent, 
and  heartily  desire  the  Almighty  to  turn  their  hearts. 
Let  us  assist  the  king  in  his  lawful  government,  by  pay- 
ing his  rightful  dues  and  obeying  his  commands.  Let  us 
honour  and  reverence  the  ministers  of  the  sacred  word, 
and  help  to  maintain  them  according  to  our  abilities. 
Let  us  faithfully  discharge  every  duty  we  owe  to  our 
parents,  wives,  children,  and  Brethren. 

To  every  one  let  us  speak  the  truth,  and  fulfil  every 
engagement.  Pay  a  suitable  deference  to  superior  merit, 

21  The  trowel  is  appropriated  to  the  Master's  degree  because,  as  the 
lectures  say,  it  is  as  Master  Masons  only  we  constitute  the  recognized 
of  the  masonic  family.  Again,  this  implement  is  considered  as  the 
appropriate  working  tool  of  a  Master  Mason  ;  because,  in  operative 
masonry,  while  the  E.  A.  P.  prepares  the  materials,  and  the  Fellowcrait 
places  them  in  their  proper  situation,  the  Master  Mason  spreads  the 
cement  with  the  trowel,  which  binds  them  together.  In  speculative 
Masonry,  the  Master  of  the  lodge  is  the  cement  which  unites  the 
the  Brethren  and  binds  them  together  in  peace,  harmony,  and  bro 
therly  love. 


360  THE    MASONIC    JEWELS    ILLUSTRATED. 

and  give  honour  to  persons  of  quality.  Let  knowledge, 
comfort,  counsel,  advice,  reproof,  be  dispensed  where  ne- 
cessary. Let  the  poor  and  ignorant  be  assisted,  and  if 
you  can  conveniently,  endeavour  to  reconcile  those  that 
are  at  variance  with  each  other.  Let  the  Plumb-line  be 
applied,  and  you  will  have  the  true  upright  of  this  duty, 
"  do  good  to  them  that  hate  you."22 

The  advantages  arising  from  a  conscientious  discharge 
of  these  duties  are  many  and  various;  but  what  infinitely 
outweighs  all  other  considerations  is,  that  by  so  doing  we 
shall  be  "the  children  of  the  Highest,"  and  be  received 
as  such  when  it  shall  be  said,  "  come  ye  blessed  of  my 
father,  inherit  the  kingdom  prepared  for  you  from  the 
foundation  of  the  world." 

88  This  lecture  is  an  admirable  illustration  of  the  manner  in  which  our 
ancient  Brethren  inculcate xl  the  duties  of  morality  from  the  terms  and 
propositions  of  geometry  ;  and  I  regret  exceedingly  that  all  my  efforts  to 
obtain  the  anther's  name  liavc  l>cen  unsuccessful. 


LECTURE    IX. 

ON  THE  GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  LODGE.  DELIVERED  BEFORE 
THE  BRETHREN  OF  ST.  GEORGE?S  LODGE,  NO.  315,  TAUN- 
TON.  BY  JOHN  WHITMASH,  ESQ.,  W.  M.  1765. 

"  In  referring  to  the  prosperous  condition  of  the  craft,  and  the  acces- 
sion which  is  daily  making  to  its  members,  I  would  observe,  that  the 
character  of  a  lodge  does  not  depend  upon  the  number,  but  the  respect- 
ability of  its  members.  It  is  too  often  the  case  that  a  lodge  manifests  too 
great  anxiety  to  swell  its  numbers,  under  the  erroneous  idea  that  number 
constitutes  might.  It  should,  however,  be  remembered,  that  the  race  is 
not  to  the  swift,  nor  the  battle  to  the  strong.  So  it  is  in  Masonry — a 
lodge  of  a  dozen  men  of  respectable  standing  in  society,  will  exert  more 
influence  upon  the  community,  than  five  times  the  number  of  doubtful 
reputation.  The  latter  will  be  greater  in  numerical  strength,  but  the 
former  in  actual  power.  Guard,  then,  the  portals  of  your  temple  against 
the  idle,  the  profligate,  and  the  intemperate.  Admit  no  man  to  the  pri- 
vileges of  the  Order  whom  you  do  not  conscientiously  believe  will  conform 
to  the  rules  of  the  Order." — TANNEHILL. 

IN  every  art  two  things  seem  peculiarly  deserving  of 
attention,  its  origin  and  its  design.  And  perhaps  there 
is  none  that  can  boast  an  origin  more  ancient  and  vener- 
able, or  a  design  more  benevolent  than  that  of  Masonry. 

When  the  Almighty  fiat  first  bade  this  visible  creation 
exist,  as  the  sacred  page  informs  us,  it  was  without  form 
and  void,  and  darkness  was  upon  the  face  of  the  deep  :  it 
was  yet  a  rude  and  shapeless  chaos.1  But  the  divine 
Architect  stretched  out  the  line  upon  it,  and  reduced  it 

1  It  was  in  the  darkness  that  God  is  said  to  have  dwelt  before  the  crea- 
tion of  our  globe.  The  Manicheans  adored  the  sun  and  the  moon,  under 
the  supposition  that  the  virtue  of  God  dwells  in  the  sun,  his  wisdom  in 


darkness  was  under  his  feet  (Ps.  xviii.  9);  and  he  made  darkness  his 
secret  place  ;  his  pavilion  round  about  were  dark  waters  and  thick  clouds." 
(v.  11.) 


f>GJ  ON    THE    GOVERNMENT    OF    THE    LODGE. 

to  symmetry  and  order,  so  that  we  now  behold  the  whole 
fabric  stand  contest,  a  stupendous  monument  of  eternal 
wisdom — its  pillars  invested  with  strength  and  adorned 
with  beauty.  Executed  with  skill  minute  even  below 
the  sight  of  the  philosophic  eye,  and  vast  beyond  the 
bounds  of  imagination,  it  pronounceth  its  Author  to  be 
divine.  Such  was  the  original  design  of  the  eternal 
mind — and  such  we  now  behold  the  fair  and  magnificent 
fabric  of  the  universe.2 

But  had  the  divine  Architect  here  stopped  short — had 
ho  not  also  given  being  to  another  system,  namely,  one 
of  an  intellectual  kind,  not  only  had  the  most  glorious 
arid  excellent  part  of  the  divine  workmanship  been  left 
unfinished,  but  even  that  which  was  created  might  have 
remained  for  ever  unnoticed  and  unadmired.  Though 
the  fabric  was  beautiful  and  stupendous,  it  had  been  but 
like  a  deserted  mansion,  without  inhabitants.  Though 
the  picture  was  fair,  and  the  colours  exquisite,  yet  none 
had  been  conscious  of  its  beauty,  but  lie  alone  who  first 
designed  and  made  it. 

As  an  inhabitant,  therefore,  of  this  visible  creation, 
and  a  witness  of  its  beauty  and  magnificence,  the  great 
Author  of  nature  gave  being  also  to  the  intellectual  sys- 
tem— lie  bade  the  human  intelligence  exist,  and  be  con- 
scious of  good  and  evil,  of  beauty  and  deformity,  of 
virtue  and  vice.  As  the  former  system  was  made  the 
grand  model  of  visible  order,  of  measure  and  proportion  ; 
so  was  this  last  the  subject  of  moral  beauty  and  recti 
tude.  The  one  is  the  object  of  science  and  the  other  of 
morality:  and  these,  if  I  mistake  not,  are  the  two  grand 
pillars  of  the  masonic  art.3  On  these  its  solid  basis  rests, 

2  The  ancient  Persians  gave  a  curious  account  of  the  process  of  crea- 
tion.— "  The  angels,"  say  they,  •'  are  God's  ministers,  and  assisted  him 
at  the  creation — the  completion  of  which  occupied  forty-five  days.     A 
dreadful  darkness  spread  itself  over  the  universe,  at  a  considerable  dis- 
tance from  the  light.     As  soon  as  the  Almighty  perceived  it,  he  was  con- 
scious that  some  powerful  influence  \\a<  at   work,  and  that  he  had  an 
enemy  to  encounter,  who  was  at  the  head  of  a  numerous  army.     He  im-. 
mediately  appointed  four  of  the  most  distinguished  archangels  to  take 
command  of  the  hosts  of  heaven.     With  these  they  attacked  the  evil 
spirit,  and  obtained  a  complete  victory  ;  and  the  powers  of  darkness  were 
obliged  to  submit  and  surrender  themselves  to  the  clemencv  of  the  vic- 
tors."    It  was  from  this  legend,  probably,  that  Milton  took"  the  hint  of 
his  great  poem. 

3  This  is  a  beautiful  illustration  of  the  origin  of  Masonry.     The  crea- 


ON    THE    GOVERNMENT    OF    THE    LODGE.  363 

and  hath  ever  rested  unshaken  and  unimpaired.  Thus, 
it  claims  an  origin  coeval  with  the  world  ;  and  its  pro- 
fessed design  is  to  promote  civilization,  and  to  adorn 
human  life  with  every  scientific  and  moral  accomplish- 
ment. 

By  what  remote  cause,  or  by  what  chain  of  causes  or 
accidents,  mankind,  originally  formed  for  virtue  and  so- 
ciety, were  led  to  pervert  the  intention  of  their  nature, 
and  to  lose  the  proper  means  of  improvement — how  they 
were  first  divided  amongst  themselves,  became  rude  in 
their  manners,  hostile  to  their  own  species,  ignorant  and 
unsociable,  it  is  not  our  present  business  to  inquire  ;4 
suffice  it  here  to  observe  that  the  fact  itself  is  unques- 
tionable, and  that  the  immediate  visible  cause  is  the  neg- 
lect of  science  and  cultivation.  Almost  in  every  nation, 
at  some  particular  period  of  its  history,  men  have  been 
found  rude  as  the  marble  in  the  quarry ;  possessing 
indeed  a  capacity  of  moral  beauty,  and  of  the  fairest 
proportions  of  virtue,  but  requiring  the  skilful  hand  of 
art  and  culture  to  form  and  polish  them.  Such,  we  are 
informed,  were  the  ancient  inhabitants  of  Greece  (after- 
wards the  most  polished  nation  in  the  world)  before  its 
savage  tribes  were  tamed  by  the  harmonious  lyre  of  an 

tion  of  this  admirable  structure  in  which  we  live,  being  the  operative 
division,  and  of  the  human  intellect,  the  speculative.  Nothing  can  better 
mark  the  distinction  which  exists  between  thought  and  labour,  design 
and  execution.  And  as  the  Almighty  at  the  creation  pronounced  that 
all  was  very  good — so,  to  compare  small  things  with  great,  the  labour, 
skill,  and  scientific  knowledge  exhibited  by  the  three  classes  of  Masons, 
usually  produce  a  piece  of  architecture  which  the  best  judges  pronounce 
perfect  and  complete. 

4  Some  of  the  oriental  nations,  and  particularly  the  Chinese,  according 
to  their  own  historians,  were  in  a  very  barbarous  state.  The  Ouai-ki, 
quoted  in  the  Chinese  annals,  describes  the  manners  of  the  people  thus  : 
— "  In  the  beginning,"  say  these  records,  "  men  differed  nothing  from 
other  animals  in  their  way  of  life.  As  they  wandered  up  and  down  in 
the  woods,  and  women  were  in  common,  it  so  happened  that  children 
never  knew  their  own  fathers,  but  only  their  mothers.  They  abandoned 
themselves  to  every  vice  without  shame,  and  had  not  the  least  idea  of  the 
laws  of  decency.  They  thought  of  nothing  but  sleeping  and  snoring,  and 
then  getting  up  and  yawning.  When  hunger  pressed  them,  they  sought 
for  something  to  eat.  and  when  they  were  glutted,  they  threw  the  rest 
away.  They  eat  the  very  feathers  and  hairs  of  animals,  along  with  the 
raw  flesh,  and  drank  their  blood.  They  clothed  themselves  in  skins  un- 
tanned.  They  dwelt  in  caves  and  dens  ;  but  Yoau-tsao  taught  them  to 
build  dwellings,  like  the  nests  of  birds,  for  the  purpose  of  avoiding  the 
depredations  of  wild  animals." 


364  ON    THE    GOVERNMENT    OF    TI1K    LODGE. 

Orpheus.  And  such  are  the  inhabitants  of  every  nation, 
while  yet  unenlightened  by  science — untaught  and  unex- 
perienced in  the  exalted  virtue  of  benevolence — and  un- 
conscious of  the  sacred  bonds  of  social  union.'  V\"ild  as 
the  woods  in  which  they  roam,  and  fierce  as  the  animals 
with  which  they  herd — their  clothing  the  spoils  of  the 
chase,  and  dens  their  only  shelter.  Such  is  the  picture 
of  human  life  unenlightened  by  science,  and  unadorned 
by  art  and  cultivation.6 

In  the  midst  of  this  chaos  of  intellectual  nature,  behold 
Masonry,  whose  task  it  is  to  enlighten  and  to  adorn — be- 
hold the  heaven-born  virgin  appear,  bearing  in  her  hand 
the  lamp  of  science,  the  mirror  of  truth,  with  the  various 
ensigns  of  art — -joy  smiling  in  her  countenance,  the  fair 
semblance  of  virtue  and  internal  peace.  Steadily  regard- 
ing the  beauty  and  symmetry  of  the  divine  workmanship, 
both  in  the  visible  and  intellectual  world,  and  fired  with 
a  noble  enthusiasm  to  examine  and  to  imitate;  from  the 
former  she  derives  the  various  arts  and  ornaments  of  life, 
and  from  the  latter  the  rules  of  social  duty.7  She  teach- 


6  At  this  period  of  the  world,  political  power  and  bodily  strength  went 
hand  in  hand.  Whoever  was  able  to  encounter  a  fierce  wild  beast,  and 
clear  the  country  of  noxious  animals,  or  in  the  day  of  battle  to  destroy 
the  greatest  number  of  enemies,  was  looked  up  to  by  his  companions  as 
a  mighty  chief.  Thus  Nimrod,  from  being  a  successful  hunter,  became  a 
great  monarch  ;  and,  as  it  appears  from  history,  most  of  his  successors 
copied  his  example. 

6  "  When  men  are  in  a  state  of  barbarity,"  says  Laurie  at  the  com- 
mencement of  his  History  of  Freemasonry,  "  and  are  scattered  over  the 
surface  of  a  country  in  small  independent  tribes,  their  wants  are  small  in 
magnitude,  as  they  are  few  in  number.     It  is  in  the  power,  therefore,  of 
every  individual  to  perform,  for  himself  and  his  family,  every  work  of  la- 
bour which  necessity  or  comfort  requires ;  and  while,  at  one  time,  he 
equips  himself  for  the  chase,  or  the  combat,  at  another,  he  is  rearing  an 
habitation  for  his  offspring,  or  hollowing  his  canoe  to  surmount  the  dan- 
gers of  the  sea.     But  as  soon  as  these  tribes  associate  together,  for  the 
purposes  of  mutual  protection  and  comfort,  civilization  advances  apace ; 
aud,  in  the  same  proportion,  the  wants  and  desires  of  the  community  in- 
crease.    In  order  to  gratify  these,  the  ingenuity  of  individuals  is  called 
forth  ;  and  those  who,  from  inability  or  indolence,  cannot  satisfy  their 
own  wants,  will  immediately  resort  to  the  superior  skill  of  their  neigh- 
bours.    Those  members  of  the  community  who  can  execute  their  work 
with  the  greatest  elegance  and  celerity,  will  be  most  frequently  employed  ; 
and  from  this  circumstance,  combined  with  the  principle  of  emulation  aud 
other  causes,  that  distinction  of  professions  will  arise,  which  is  found  only 
among  nations  considerably  advanced  in  civilization  and  refinement." 

7  Dr.  Anderson,  in  the  first  edition  of  his  Constitutions,  said  that 


ON  THE  GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  LODGE.      365 

eth  mankind  to  perceive  that  they  were  formed  for 
society,  and  that  there  their  nature  can  reach  the  highest 
perfection  and  happiness.  She  bids  them  lay  aside  the 
fierceness  of  an  hostile  disposition  ;  arid  teacheth  men  of 
every  nation,  of  every  different  faith,  and  of  every  rank 
in  life,  overlooking  the  prejudices  and  distinctions  which 
education  or  fortune  may  have  established,  to  embrace 
one  another  like  Brethren,  and  to  give  the  soul  to  har- 
mony and  love. 

Union  adds  strength  to  enterprise,  and  fire  to  genius 
and  invention.  Under  the  culture  of  her  hand  we,  there- 
fore, soon  perceive  the  various  arts  and  embellishments 
of  life  improved  and  disseminated.  Where  lately  all  was 
waste  and  deformity,  we  now  behold  the  stately  dome 
arise,  and  display  its  magnificent  ornaments.  The  rude 
and  shapeless  marble  assumes  form  and  proportion,  and 
nature's  fairest  tints  seem  to  live  on  the  canvas.  Lo ! 
music  also,  attended  by  soft  poesy,  her  sister  art,  gives  to 
harmony  the  trembling  strings,  and  wakes  the  soul  to 
ecstasy;  whilst  the  mighty  tide  of  bold  majestic  verse 
tames  the  savage  breast,  and  forms  it  to  humanity  and 
love.  This  is  the  labour,  and  this  the  pride  of  Masonry, 
by  such  arts  as  these  to  adorn  life,  and  to  humanize  the 
temper. 

Heaven,  well  pleased,  first  viewed  the  bold  and  gener- 
ous design,  with  a  look  of  soft  complacency,  then  blessed 
the  enterprise,  and  bade  the  virgin  proceed  and  prosper. 
Attended  by  soft-eyed  charity,  her  inseparable  companion, 
we  now,  therefore,  behold  her  travelling  down  the  vale 

"  though  by  sin  Adam  fell  from  his  original  happy  state,  and  was  expelled 
from  his  lovely  arbour  and  earthly  paradise  into  the  wide  world,  he  still 
retained  knowledge,  especially  in  geometry ;  and  its  principles  remaining 
in  the  hearts  of  his  offspring,  have  in  process  of  time  been  drawn  forth  in 
a  convenient  method  of  propositions,  according  to  the  laws  of  proportion 
taken  from  mechanism.  And  as  the  mechanical  arts  gave  occasion  to  the 
learned  to  reduce  the  elements  of  geometry  into  method,  so  this  noble 
science,  thus  reduced  and  methodised,  is  now  the  foundation  of  all  those 
arts,  especially  of  architecture,  and  the  rule  by  which  they  are  conducted 
and  finished.  Adam,  when  expelled,  resided  in  the  most  convenient  natu- 
ral abodes  of  the  land  of  Eden,  where  he  could  be  best  sheltered  from 
colds  and  heats,  from  winds,  rains,  and  tempests,  and  from  wild  beasts, 
till  his  sons  grew  up  to  form  a  lodge,  whom  he  taught  geometry,  and  the 
use  of  it  in  architecture,  without  which  the  children  of  men  must  have 
lived  like  brutes,  in  woods,  dens,  and  caves,  or  at  best  in  poor  huts  of 
mud,  or  arbours  made  of  the  branches  of  trees." 


366  ON    THK    <;<>VFK\.MK.\T    OF    THE    LODGE. 

of  time,  hung  round  with  the  most  venerable  relics  of 
hoary  antiquity,  and  crowned  with  the  richest  honours 
of  every  preceding  age,  that  with  the  same  munificence, 
and  the  same  benevolent  hand,  she  may  yet  bless  and 
adorn  posterity. 

This  is  but  a  faint  and  general  outline  of  the  origin 
and  design  of  the  masonic  art,  which  in  all  ugcs  have, 
excited  the  curiosity  of  mankind  ;  and  curiosity  is  one  of 
the  most  prevailing  passions  in  the  human  breast.8  The 
mind  of  man  is  kept  in  a  perpetual  thirst  after  know- 
ledge, nor  can  he  bear  to  be  ignorant  of  what  he  thinks 
others  know.  Anything  secret  or  new  immediately 
excites  an  uneasy  sensation,  and  becomes  the  proper  fuel 
of  curiosity,  which  will  be  found  stronger  or  weaker  in 
proportion  to  the  time  and  opportunities  that  individual?-. 
have  for  indulging  it.  It  is  observable  further,  that  when 
this  passion  is  excited,  and  not  instantly  gratified,  instead 
of  waiting  for  better  intelligence,  and  using  the  propel 
means  of  removing  the  darkness  that  envelops  the  object 
of  it,  the  mind  precipitately  forms  ideas  which  are  gene- 
rally in  the  extremes.  If  the  object  promote  pleasure  01 
advantage,  we  receive  it  with  commendations ;  if  it  ap- 
pear in  the  opposite  view,  or  if  we  are  ignorant  of  it,  we 
then  absurdly,  as  well  as  disingenuously,  condemn,  and 
pretend  at  least  to  despise  it.9  This  has  been  the  fate  of 

8  Curiosity  is  certainly  a  very  prevalent  feeling  in  man  ;  and  we  owe  to 
its  existence  many  of  those  vast  and  useful  discoveries  which  have  con 
ferred  such  essential  benefits  on  society.    The  use  of  machinery,  whicl 
has  been  applied  to  such  a  variety  of  uses,  sprang  from  this  principle ; 
steam  and  gas  may  trace  their  origin  to  the  same  efficient  cause ;  the  im- 
provements in  geology,  chemistry,  electricity,  and  other  sciences,  may  be 
attributed  to  the  investigations  of  a  laudable  curiosity  ;  and  it  cannot  be 
denied  but  many  masonic  conversions  had  the  same  origin.     A  thirst  1'or 
knowledge  has  in  all  ages  been  attended  with  beneficial  results.     Neces- 
sity was  the  mother  of  architecture — rude,  indeed,  in  its  first  essays,  but 
producing  the  most  astonishing  effects  by  the  aid  of  geometry  and  its 
wonder-working  properties.     In  speculative  Masonry,  curiosity  ungrati- 
fied  has  often  led  to  uncompromising  hostility  ;  and  the  severest  attacks 
on  the  institution  have  frequently  had  no  other  origin. 

9  The  secresy  of  Freemasonry  has  been  a  fertile  source  of  objection.    It 
has  been  urged — "  If  your  institution  has  nothing  in  it  disgraceful  to 
yourselves,  or  injurious  to  the  world,  if  it  really  be  that  system  of  wis- 
dom and  virtue  which  you  so  loudly  declare  it  to  be,  why  do  you  confine 
the  knowledge  of  it  to  a  few  ?  why  "do  you  not  rather,  like  the  real  friends 
of  mankind,  make  it  universally  known,  that  its  benefits  may  be  uni- 
versal ?"    The  Grand  Architect  of  the  Universe  locks  up  gold  in  the 


ON  THE  GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  LODGE.      367 

our  invaluable  institution.  Those  who  are  acquainted 
with  its  nature  and  design,  admire  and  espouse  it ;  and  if 
those  who  are  in  the  dark,  or  whose  minds  are  disposed 
to  evil,  should  slight  or  speak  disrespectfully  of  it,  it  is 
riot  considered  a  disgrace.  When  order  shall  produce 
confusion,  when  harmony  shall  give  rise  to  discord,  and 
proportion  shall  be  the  source  of  irregularity,  then,  and 
not  till  then,  will  Freemasonry  be  unworthy  the  patron- 
age of  the  great,  the  wise,  and  good. 

To  love  as  Brethren,  to  be  ready  to  communicate,  to 
speak  truth  one  to  another,  are  the  dictates  of  reason  and 
revelation  ;  and  they  are  likewise  the  foundation  and  con- 
stituent parts  of  Freemasonry. 

ISone,  therefore,  who  believe  the  divine  original  of  the 
sacred  volume,  and  are  influenced  by  a  spirit  of  humanity, 
friendship,  and  benevolence,  can  with  the  least  propriety 
object  to  our  ancient  arid  venerable  institution.10 


earth  and  pearls  in  the  ocean ;  not  to  conceal  them  from  human  use,  but 
to  reward  human  industry  for  its  search  after  them.  It  seems  to  be  His 
fixed  decree,  that  the  improvement  of  the  material  world  should  depend 
on  the  combined  efforts  of  human  genius  and  labour  ;  and  that  philosophy 
should  be  invoked  for  the  melioration  of  the  blessings  of  nature.  And 
why  do  men  lock  up  precious  things,  but  to  keep  them  from  unhallowed 
hands?  That  secresy  is  an  important  virtue,  recommended  in  all  ages 
by  the  wisest  and  best  of  men,  cannot  be  contradicted  ;  nor  can  it  be  de- 
nied, but  that  in  in  all  ages  there  have  been  societies  who  have  had 
secrets  which  they  have  not  indiscriminately  revealed,  but  have  disclosed 
to  those  only  whom  they  thought  worthy  to  be  associated  with  them. 
Do  we  not  daily  see  corporations,  secret  committees,  privy  councils,  &c., 
bind  themselves  to  secresy,  without  censure  or  reproach  ?  why,  then, 
should  not  Freemasons  enjoy  the  same  liberty,  without  incurring  illiberal 
reflections  ?  It  must  be  believed  by  all  candid  persons  when  they  see  it 
so  zealously  supported  by  the  virtuous,  the  honourable  and  the  wise,  that 
Freemasonry  contains  nothing  which  is  either  disgraceful  to  individuals 
or  injurious  to  the  world.  The  door  of  Masonry  is  closed  against  the 
unworthy  only.  lie,  who  does  justly,  loves  mercy,  and  walks  humbly 
with  his  God,  will  always  find  it  open,  and  be  received  with  fraternal 
affection. 

10  In  fact,  the  morality  of  Masonry  is  Christian  morality  ;  and  although 
the  institution  is  universal,  and  admits  to  its  secrets  the  Jew  or  the  Mus- 
sulman, still  there  is  no  religion  to  which  its  moral  precepts  are  so  well 
adapted  as  Christianity.  Our  Saviour  describes  the  Jewish  morality  in 
the  strongest  terms  of  reprobation,  in  the  fifth  chapter  of  St.  Matthew, 
and  the  seventh  chapter  of  St.  Mark  ;  and  it  is  well  known  that  the  Ma- 
hometan morality  consists  in  invoking  the  name  of  God  even  when  perform- 
ing the  most  flagrant  acts  of  iniquity.  But  the  morality  of  the  gospel  is 
quite  another  thing.  It  is  unnecessary  to  describe  it ;  for  every  Brother 
will  find  it  in  Freemasonry,  embodied  in  the  three  theological  and  four 


368      ON  THE  GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  LODGE. 

Every  association  of  men,  for  the  sake  of  order  and 
harmony,  must  be  regulated  by  certain  laws,  and  for  that 
purpose  proper  officers  must  be  appointed,  and  empow- 
ered to  carry  those  laws  into  execution,  to  preserve  uni- 
formity, and  to  restrain  any  irregularity  that  might  reflect 
disgrace  on  the  institution.11  For  we  may  as  reasonably 
suppose  an  army  may  be  duly  disciplined,  well  provided, 
and  properly  conducted,  without  generals  or  other  offi- 
cers, as  that  a  society  can  be  supported  without  govern- 
ors and  their  subalterns,  or  (which  is  the  same  thing) 
without  some  form  of  civil  government.12  And  as  such 
an  arrangement  must  be  revered,  it  becomes  a  neecssn  y 
pre-requisite  that  a  temper  should  be  discovered  in  the 
several  members  adapted  to  the  respective  stations  they 
are  to  fill.13 

This  thought  will  suggest  to  you,  that  those  who  are 
qualified  to  preside  as  officers  in  a  lodge,  will  not  be 
elated  with  that  honour ;  but,  losing  sight  of  it,  will  have 
only  in  view,  the  service  their  office  demands.  Their 


cardinal  virtues,  made  perfect  by  the  requisitions  of  brotherly-love,  relief, 
and  truth. 

11  Because  ;<  actions,  in  the  abstract,  are  right  or  wrong,  according  to 
their  tendency;  the  agent  is  virtuous  or  vicious,  according  to  his  <!••• 
Thus,  if  the  question  be,  whether  relieving  common  beggars  be  right  or 
wrong,  we  inquire  into  the  tendency  of  such  a  conduct  to  the  public  ad- 
vantage or  inconvenience.     If  the  question  be  whether  a  man.  remark- 
able for  this  sort  of  bounty,  is  to  be  esteemed  virtuous  for  that,  reason, 
we  inquire  into  his  design,  whether  his  liberality  springs  from  charity  or 
from  ostentation.     It  is  evident  that  our  concern  is  with  actions  in  the 
abstract."  (Paley.) 

12  Thus  the  Constitutions  of  Masonry  provide  that  "  if  any  Brother 
behave  in  such  a  way  as  to  disturb  the  harmony  of  the  lodge,  he  shall  be 
thrice  formally  admonished  by  the  Master,  and  if  he  persists  in  his  irre- 
gular conduct,  he  shall  be  punished  according  to  the  by-laws  of  the  lodge, 
or  the  case  may  be  reported  to  higher  masonic  authority.     But  no  mem- 
ber shall  be  excluded  from  his  lodge  without  notice  being  given  to  him 
of  vhe  charge  preferred  against  him,  and  of  the  time  appointed  for  its 
consideration.     The  name  of  every  Brother  so  excluded,  together  with 
the  cause  for  his  exclusion,  shall  be  seut  to  the  grand  secretary  ;  and,  if 
a  country  lodge,  also  to  the  Provincial  Grand  Master,  or  his  deputy." 

13  The  duties  of  the  masonic  governments  correspond  with  those  of  the 
civil  governments  of  states ;  they  are  to  promote  the  peace,  security, 
prosperity,  and  happiness  of  the  people ;    in  times  of  danger  to  afford 
protection,  by  the  wise  application  of  their  powers ;    in  periods  of  pros- 
perity, to  give  the  best  direction  to  the  current  of  activity  in  the  lodges, 
by  promoting  the  the  cultivation  of  science,  and  elevating  the  standard 
of  knowledge  and  virtue. 


ON  THE  GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  LODGE.       369 

reproofs  will  be  dictated  by  friendship,  softened  by  can- 
dour, and  enforced  with  mildness  and  affection  ;  in  the 
whole  of  their  deportment  they  will  preserve  a  degree 
of  dignity  tempered  with  affability  and  ease.14  This  con- 
duct, while  it  endears  them  to  others,  will  not  fail  to 
raise  their  own  reputation,  and  as  envy  should  not  be  so 
much  as  once  named  among  Freemasons,  it  will  effec- 
tually prevent  the  growth  of  it,  should  it  unfortunately 
ever  appear. 

Such  is  the  nature  of  our  constitution,  that  as  some 
must  of  necessity  rule  and  teach,  so  others  must  of 
course  learn  and  obey.  Humility,  therefore,  in  both 
becomes  an  essential  duty  ;  for  pride  and  ambition,  like  a 
worm  at  the  root  of  the  tree,  will  prey  on  the  vitals  of 
our  peace,  harmony,  and  brotherly  love.15 

Had  not  this  excellent  temper  prevailed,  when  the 
foundation  of  Solomon's  temple  was  first  laid,  it  is  easy 
to  see,  that  glorious  edifice  would  never  have  risen  to  a 
height  of  splendour  which  astonished  the  world.  Had 
all  employed  in  this  work  been  masters,  or  superintend- 
ents, who  must  have  prepared  the  timber  in  the  forest, 
or  hewn  and  marked  the  stone  in  the  quarry  ?16  Yet, 

14  It  is  well  to  give  rules  for  the  good  government  of  a  lodge ;   but  the 
best  teacher  is  experience.     Points  of  minor  importance,  both  in  disci- 
pline and  doctrine,  are  of  constant  occurrence,  which  have  no  precedent, 
and  must  be  regulated  by  the  judgment  of  the  Master.     And  on  these 
trifling  matters  the  welfare  and  prosperity  of  a  lodge  frequently  depend  ; 
such  as  reconciling  differences,  and  causing  animosities  to  subside ;  apply- 
ing— not  only  a  remedy,  but  the  proper  remedy — to  all  irregularities  as 
ttiey  arise,  because,  if  they  are  suffered  to  acquire  strength  by  time,  they 
are  sure  to  create,  in  the  end,  great  confusion  and  difficulty.     In  a  word, 
he  must  unite  the  suaviter  in  modo  with  the  fortiter  in  re.     His  deport- 
ment should  be  serious ;   his  temper  uniform ;    and  by  striving  to  give 
general  satisfaction  to  the  Brethren,  he  will  reap  a  rich  reward  in  their 
approbation  and  respect. 

15  The  most  ancient  Gothic  charges  provide  against  this  baleful  feeling. 
They  direct  that  "  none  shall  show  envy  at  a  Brother's  prosperity,  nor 
supplant  him,  nor  put  him  out  of  his  work,  it'  capable  to  finish  it.     Ma- 
sons must  avoid  all  ill  language,  calling  each  other  Brother,  or  fellow, 
with  much  courtesy,  both  within  and  without  the  lodge.     They  shall  in- 
struct a  younger  Brother  to  become  bright  and  expert,  that  the  Lord's 
materials  may  not  be  spoik-d.     But  Free  and  Accepted  Masons  shall  not 
allow  cowans  to  work  with  them  ;  nor  shall  they  be  employed  by  cowans 
without  an  urgent  necessity.     And  even  in  that  case,  they  must  not  teach 
cowans,  but  must  have  a  separate  communication." 

16  The  preservation  of  this  harmony  may  be  attributed  in  a  great  nxja- 
Bure  to  the  system  above  alluded  to,  of  dividing  the  men  into  lodges,  ..id 


37 0      ON  THE  GOVKKNMKNT  OF  THE  LODGE. 

though  they  were  numbered  and  classed  under  dilferent 
denominations,  as  princes,  rulers,  provosts,  comforters 
of  the  people,  stone-squares,  sculptors,  &c.,  such  was 
their  unanimity,  that  they  seemed  actuated  by  one 
spirit,  and  influenced  by  one  principle.17 

Merit  alone  then  entitled  to  preferment;  an  indispu- 
table instance  of  which  we  have  in  the  deputy  Grand 
Master  of  that  great  undertaking,  who,  without  either 
wealth  or  power,  without  any  other  distinction,  than 
that  of  being  the  widow's  son,  was  appointed  by  the 
Grand  Master,  and  approved  by  the  people,  for  this 
single  reason,  because  lie  was  a  skilful  artificer. 

Let  these  considerations,  my  worthy  Brethren,  ani- 
m.ite  us  in  the  pursuit  of  so  noble  a  science,  that  we 
may  all  be  qualified  to  fill,  in  roint ion,  the  most  distin- 
guished places  iu  (he  lodge,  and  keep  the  honours  of  the 
craft  (which  are  the  just  rewards  of  our  labour)  in  a 
regular  circulation.  And  as  none  are  less  qualified  to 
govern  than  those  who  have  not  learned  to  obey,  permit 
me,  in  the  warmest  manner,  to  recommend  to  you  all  a 
constant  attendance  in  this  place,  a  due  obedience  to 
the  laws  of  our  institution,  and  a  respectful  submission 
to  the  directions  of  your  officers,  that  you  may  prove  to 


commanding  that  every  carved  stone  shall  be  marked  with  the  workman's 
signature.  This  custom  was  carried  by  the  Dionysiacs  to  every  part  of 
the  world,  and  was  used  both  by  heathen  and  Christian  Freemasons 
throughout  all  time.  Such  marks  are  found  on  heathen  temples  at  tin- 
farthest  extremity  of  the  world  ;  and  in  all  ancient  Christian  edifices  of 
any  importance  in  every  country  where  the  gospel  has  been  planted.  See 
the  Freemasons'  Quarterly  Review  for  1845,  p.  319,  442  ;  and  Godwin's 
Letters  to  Sir  H.  Ellis  on  Masons'  Marks. 

17  This  disposition  of  the  lodges  gave  rise  to  a  degree  called  "  the  Mark.' 
and  a  Mark  Master  was  appointed  to  rule  over  every  fellowcraft's  lodgr. 
It  was,  therefore,  formerly  the  custom  in  England  to  connect  this  degree 
with  that  of  a  fellowcraft ;  although  at  this  time  it  is  considered,  to  all 
intents  and  purposes,  a  separate  degree,  and  invested  with  a  separate 
colour.  I  can,  however,  find  no  good  reason  for  this,  unless  it  be  sup- 
posed, by  the  multiplication  of  degrees,  that  the  resources  of  the  society 
will  increase  in  a  corresponding  ratio.  Another  reason  may  also  be 
given,  applying  in  some  instances  to  the  fact,  that  by  multiplying  the 
the  number  of  degrees,  persons  who  value  their  character,  and  wish  their 
associates  to  be  select,  could  exclude  from  their  intercourse  iu  the  lodge 
all  such  persons  as  had  been  iniprovidently  or  improperly  introduced  into 
the  inferior  degrees.  But  even  in  this  view  of  the  case,  I  can  perceirts 
no  cause  for  interposing  the  third  degree  between  what  were  evidently, 
at  first,  two  consecutive  sections  of  the  same  chapter  in  the  science. 


ON    THE    GOVERNMENT    OF    THE    LODGE.  371 

mankind  the  propriety  of  your  election,  and  secure  the 
establishment  of  this  society  to  latest  posterity. 

To  accomplish  these  desirable  ends,  let  me  entreat 
your  strict  attention  to  our  by-laws,  ever  keeping  in 
view  the  general  regulations,  constitutions  and  orders  of 
our  ancient  and  honourable  society.18  Let  due  regard  be 
paid  to  your  officers  in  their  respective  stations,  whose 
duty  it  is  to  regulate  the  proceedings  of  the  lodge,  and 
to  carry  the  laws  into  execution,  and  may  the  only  con- 
tention amongst  us  be,  a  laudable  emulation  in  cultivat- 
ing the  royal  art,  and  endeavouring  to  excel  each  other 
in  whatever  is  good  and  great.  The  moral  and  social 
duties  of  life  we  should  make  a  principal  subject  of  con- 
templation;  for  thereby  we  shall  be  enabled  to  subdue 
our  passions,  and  cultivate  fraternal  affection,  the  glory 
and  cement  of  this  institution,  laying  aside  all  malice, 
and,  all  guile  and  hypocrisies,  and  envies,  and  all  evil- 
speakings — manifesting  our  love  one  to  another ;  for 
"  love  is  of  God,  and  he  that  loveth  God,  loveth  his  Bro- 
ther also.  And  he  that  saith  he  is  in  the  light,  and 
hateth  his  Brother,  is  in  darkness  until  now." 

Suffer  nothing  to  be  heard  within  the  sacred  walls  of 
this  lodge,  but  the  heavenly  sounds  of  truth,  peace,  and 
concord,  with  a  cheerful  harmony  of  social  and  innocent 
mirth ;  and  "  be  ye  like  minded,  having  the  same  love, 
being  of  one  accord  and  of  one  mind ;  let  nothing  be 
done  through  strife  or  vain-glory,  but  in  lowliness  of 
mind,  let  each  esteem  other  better  than  themselves." 
Never  give  cause  for  it  to  be  said,  that  we  who  are 
solemnly  connected  by  the  strictest  laws  of  amity, 
should  ever  omit  the  practice  of  forbearance,  and  allow 
our  passions  to  control  us,  when  one  great  end  proposed 
by  our  meeting  here,  is  to  subdue  them.  Let  us  not  sit 
down  contented  with  the  name  only  of  a  Mason,  but 
walk  worthy  of  that  glorious  profession,  in  constant  con- 
formity to  its  duties.  To  become  Brethren  worthy  of 
our  most  ancient  and  honourable  institution,  we  must 
devote  ourselves  to  the  study  and  discharge  of  the  fol- 

18  This  direction  is  of  the  utmost  importance  to  Masonry,  and  has  al- 
ways constituted  a  principal  feature  in  its  laws.  Its  violation  originated 
that  unhappy  schism  which  disunited  the  Freemasons  of  this  country  for 
eighty  year5* ;  and  the  institution  presented  the  anomalous  appearance  of 
two  Grand  Lodges,  which  mutually  denounced  each  other. 

15 


372      ON  THE  GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  LODGE. 

lowing  duties,  which  are  more  or  less  within  the  reach 
of  every  capacity,  viz.,  a  knowledge  of  the  mysterious 
problems,  hieroglyphics,19  and  symbolical  customs  and 
ceremonies  of  the  royal  art,  together  with  the  origin, 
nature,  and  design  of  the  institution,  its  signs,  tok< 
&c.,  whereby  Masons  are  universally  known  to,  and  can 
converse  with  each  other,  though  born  and  bred  in  dif- 
ferent countries  and  languages.20 

A  Freemason  must  likewise  be  a  good  man,  one  who 
duly  fears,  loves,  and  serves  his  heavenly  Master,  and,  in 
imitation  of  the  operative  Mason,  who  erects  a  temporal 
building  according  to  the  rules  and  designs  laid  down 
for  him  by  the  Master  Mason,  on  his  tressel-board,  raises 
a  spiritual  building,  according  to  the  laws  and  injunc- 
tions laid  down  by  the  Supreme  Architect  of  the  Uni- 
verse in  the  book  of  life,  which  may  justly  be  considered 
in  this  light  as  a  spiritual  tressel-board. 

He  must  honour  the  king,  and  be  subordinate  to  his 
superiors,  and  ever  ready  to  promote  the  deserving  Bro- 
ther in  all  his  lawful  employments  and  concerns. 
These,  my  Brethren,  are  qualifications  of  a  good  Mason, 
wherefore  they  merit  our  peculiar  attention  ;  and,  as  it 
is  our  duty,  we  should  make  it  our  pleasure  to  practise 
them ;  by  so  doing  we  shall  let  our  light  shine  before 


19  One  of  the  earliest  methods  of  propagating  knowledge  was  by  the 
use  of  symbols.     Thus  Clemens  Alexandrinus,  quoting  from  Diooiysius 
Thrax,  an  ancient  grammarian,  in  his  exposition  of  the  symbol  of  the 
wheels,  says,  that  some  persons  made  a  representation  of  their  acts  to 
others,  not  only  by  speech  but  by  symbols  also.  (Strom.  1.  v.)     Any  one 
who  is  conversant  in  the  learning  of  ancient  time,  will  have  seen  that  this 
was  the  chief  way  of  communicating  science  ;   as  is  evident  in  the  hiero- 
glyphics of  Egypt ;  and  the  custom  of  symbolical  instruction,  which  the 
Pythagoreans  and  other  philosophers  derived  from  thence. 

20  Wherever  Brethren  meet,  in  whatever  part  of  the  world  it  may  be, 
whether  they  can  understand  each  other's  language  or  not,  if  it  be  by  day 
or  by  night,  if  one  be  deaf  and  the  other  dumb,  they  can  nevertheless  re- 
cognize each  other  as  Brothers.     In  this  respect  the  recognition-signs  are 
a  universal  language,  and  they  are  communicated  to  every  Mason  at  his 
initiation.     Signs  and  grips  can  be  given  so  cautiously,  that  it  is  not  pos- 
sible to  perceive,  if  they  are  surrounded  by  thousands  who  have  not  been 
initiated.     To  give  the  word  is  somewhat  more  difficult.     By  the  grip  we 
may  make  ourselves  known  to  the  blind,  by  the  sign  unto  the  deaf,  and 
by  the  word  and  grip  by  day  or  by  night.  Each  degree  lias  its  sign,  word, 
and  grip,  as  in  many  cases  it  is  not  sufficient  to  make  ourselves  generally 
known  as  Freemasons.     See  the  Freemasons'  Lexicon  in  Voc.  Erkei> 
uunffszeichen  oder  Zeichen,  Wort.  Grin". 


ON    THE    GOVERNMENT    OF    THE    LODGE.  373 

men,  aiid  prove  ourselves  worthy  members  of  that  insti- 
tution, which  ennobles  all  who  conform  to  its  most  glo- 
rious precepts. 

Finally,  let  me  advise  you  to  be  very  circumspect, 
and  well  guarded  against  the  base  attempts  of  pretend- 
ers, always  setting  a  watch  before  your  mouth.  And 
with  respect  to  any  who  may  call  themselves  Masons, 
but  (possessing  refractory  spirits)  are  at  the  same  time 
enemies  to  all  order,  decency,  and  decorum,  speaking 
and  acting  as  rebels  to  the  constitution  of  Masons  in  this 
kingdom  ;  let  me  exhort  you  to  have  no  connection  with 
them,  but,  according  to  the  advice  of  St.  Paul  to  the 
Thessalonians,  u  withdraw  yourselves  from  every  Bro- 
ther that  walketh  disorderly,"21  leaving  such  to  the  natu- 
ral consequence  of  their  own  bad  conduct;  being  well 
assured,  that  the  vain  fabric  which  they  mean  to  erect, 
having  no  other  support  than  their  own  ignorance,  debi- 
lity and  deformity,  will  of  itself  soon  tumble  to  the 
ground,  with  shame  and  ruin  on  the  builders'  heads. 
On  the  other  hand,  let  us  live  in  strict  amity  and  frater- 
nal love  with  all  just  and  upright  Brethren,  that  we  may 
say  with  the  royal  Psalmist:  "Behold  how  good,  and 
how  pleasant  it  is,  for  Brethren  to  dwell  together  in 
•inity." 

Let  God's  holy  word  be  the  guide  of  our  faith ;   and 
justice,  charity,  love,  and  mercy,  our  characteristics 
then  we  may  reasonably  hope  to  attain  the  celestial  pass- 
word, and  gain  admittance  into  the  lodge  of  our  Supreme 
Grand  Master,  where  pleasures  flow  for  evermore.22  This 

21  It  is  otten  urged  as  an  objection  to  our  institution  that  many  of  its 
professors  are  vicious  and  immoral  in  their  conduct,  and  consequently  re- 
gardless of  their  obligations.  They,  who  urge  this  objection,  little  think- 
that  they  are  passing  a  censure  upon  their  own  understanding.  The  abuse 
of  a  thing  is  no  valid  objection  to  its  inherent  goodness.  How  many 
break  their  baptismal  vows!  how  many  call  themselves  Christians  who 
are  a  disgrace  to  Christianity,  yet  ultimately  hurt  not  the  gospel  but 
themselves  !  In  the  best  institutions  on  earth,  worthless  characters  may 
occasionally  be  found.  In  the  holy  family  itself,  consisting  but  of  twelve, 
one  was  a  devil.  Did  that  injure  or  impair  the  integrity  of  the  eleven  ? 
very  far  from  it.  It  rather  added  a  lustre  to  their  virtues. 

23  "  These  virtues  would  be  totally  inefficacious  without  the  aid  of 
Christianity.  Mr.  Hume,  in  his  fourth  appendix  to  his  Principles  of 
Morals,  complains  of  the  modern  scheme  of  uniting  ethics  with  the  Chris- 
tian theology.  They  who  find  themselves  disposed  to  join  in  this  com- 
plaint, will  do  well  to  observe  what  the  author  has  been  able  to  make  of 


374       ON  THE  GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  LODGE. 

is  the  fervent  prayer  of  him  who  glories  in  the  name  Oi 
a  faithful  Mason,  and  has  the  honour  to  be  Master  of  this 
right  worshipful  lodge. 

morality  without  Christianity.  And  for  that  purpose,  let  them  read  the 
second  part  of  the  ninth  section  of  the  above  essay,  which  contains  the 
practical  application  of  the  whole  treatise — a  treatise  which  Mr.  Hume 
declares  to  be  incomparably  the  best  he  ever  wrote.  When  they  1m  v. 
read  it  over,  let  them  consider  whether  any  motives  there  proposal  an 
likely  to  be  found  sufficient  to  withhold  men  from  the  gratification  <»(' 
lust,  revenge,  envy,  ambition,  avarice ;  or  to  prevent  the  existence  of  tl im- 
passions. Unless  they  rise  up  from  this  celebrated  essay  with  stronger 
impressions  upon  their  minds  than  it  ever  left  upon  mine,  they  will  ac- 
knowledge the  necessity  of  additional  sanctions.  But  the  ixr.s-ity  »>!' 
these  sanctions  is  not  now  the  question.  If  they  be,  in  fact,  established. 
if  the  rewards  and  punishments  held  forth  in  the  gospel  will  actually  mm.- 
to  pass,  they  must  be  considered.  Such  as  reject  the  Christian  religion, 
are  to  make  the  best  shift  they  can  to  build  up  a  system,  and  lay  the  foun- 
dation of  morality  without  it.  But  it  appears  to  me  a  great  inconsist- 
ency  in  those  who  receive  Christianity,  and  expect  something  to  come 
of  it,  to  endeavour  to  keep  all  such  expectations  out  of  sight,  in  their 
reasonings  concerning  human  duty."  (Paley.) 


LECTURE     X . 

ON  THE  DESIGN  OF  MASONRY.  DELIVERED  IN  ""HE  UNION 
LODGE,  EXETER,  NO.  370,  BY  JOHN  CODP.NGTON,  ESQ., 
D.  P.  G.  M.,  1770. 

Sermo  oritur,  non  de  regnis  domibusve  alienis ; 

sed  quod  magis  ad  DOS 

Pertinet,  et  ncscire  inalum  est  agitamus ;  utrumne 
Divitiis  homines,  an  sint  virtute  beati ; 
Quidve  ad  amicitias,  usus,  rectumne  trahat  nos, 
Et  quae  sit  natura  boni,  summumq  :  quid  ejus. 

HORACE. 

BEING  this  day,  by  your  choice,  exalted  into  this  chair, 
it  is  the  fervent  wish  of  my  heart  to  render  myself  as 
little  undeserving  as  possible  of  the  distinguished  honour. 
Many  important  duties  has  a  Master  of  a  lodge  to  per- 
form ;  and  though  I  despair  performing  all  of  them  as  I 
ought,  yet  I  shall  always  endeavour  to  do  so.1  To  give 
instruction  is  the  business  of  the  Master;  and  I  think,  it 
incumbent  upon  me,  on  this  occasion,  to  consider  the 
nature  and  design  of  our  institution,  and  to  remind  you 
of  the  duties  it  prescribes. 

First,  then,  our  Order  instructs  us  in  our  duty  to  the 
Great  Artificer  of  the  universe ;  directs  us  to  behave  as 
becomes  creatures  to  their  Creator ;  to  be  satisfied  with 
his  dispensations,  and  always  to  rely  upon  Him  whose 
wisdom  cannot  mistake  our  happiness,  whose  goodness 
cannot  contradict  it. 


1  Some  expressions,  perhaps  sentences,  in  this  Charge,  belong  to  differ- 
ent writers  whose  names  are  not  mentioned.  It  was  never  intended  to  be 
printed  ;  the  author,  therefore,  at  the  time  of  writing  it,  never  minuted 
down  to  whom  he  was  obliged  for  them,  and  he  cannot  now  recollect.  He 
thinks  it  proper  to  say  this,  that  it  may  not  be  thought  he,  in  the  smallest 
degree,  assumes  to  himself  what  belongs  to  another. 


cJ76  ON    THE    DESIGN    OF    MASONRY. 

It  directs  us  to  be  peaceable  subjects,  to  give  no  um- 
brage to  the  civil  powers,  and  never  to  be  concerned  in 
plots  and  conspiracies  against  the  well-being  of  the  na- 
tion ;  and  as  political  matters  have  sown  the  seeds  of 
discord  amongst  the  nearest  relations  and  most  intimate 
friends,  we  are  wisely  enjoined  in  our  assemblies  never 
to  speak  of  them. 

It  instructs  us  in  our  duty  to  our  neighbour;  teaches 
us  to  injure  him  in  none  of  his  connections,  and  in  all  our 
dealings  with  him  to  act  with  justice  and  impartiality. 
It  discourages  defamation;  it  bids  us  not  to  circulate 
any  whispt/  of  infamy,  improve  any  hint  of  suspicion, 
or  publish  any  failure  of  conduct.  It  orders  us  to  l>c 
faithful  to  our  trusts ;  to  deceive  not  him  who  relieth 
upon  us ;  to  be  above  the  meanness  of  dissimulation  ; 
to  let  the  words  of  our  mouths  be  the  thoughts  of  our 
hearts,  and  whatsoever  we  promise  religiously  to  per- 
form. 

It  teaches  inviolable  secresy ;  forbids  us  to  discover 
our  mystic  rites  to  the  unenlightened,  or  to  betray  the 
confidence  of  a  Brother.  It  warms  our  hearts  with  true 
philanthropy,  with  that  philanthropy  which  directs  us 
never  to  permit  a  wretched  fellow-creature  to  pass  by 
till  we  have  presented  him  with  the  cup  of  consolation, 
and  have  made  him  drink  copious  draughts  of  the  heart- 
reviving  milk  of  human  kindness.  It  makes  us  lovers 
of  order ;  stifles  enmity,  wrath,  and  dissension,  and  nou- 
rishes love,  peace,  friendship,  and  every  social  virtue;  it 
tells  us  to  seek  our  happiness  in  the  happiness  we  bestow, 
and  to  love  our  neighbour  as  ourselves. 

It,  informs  us  that  we  are  all  children  of  one  Father : 
trim  man  is  an  infirm,  short-lived  creature,  wrio  passes 
away  like  a  shadow  :  that  he  is  hastening  to  that  place 
where  human  titles  and  ciistiucuoiK,  are  not  considered  ; 
where  the  trappings  of  pride  will  be  taken  away,  and 
virtue  alone  have  the  pre-eminence  ;  and  thus  instructed, 
we  profess  that  merit  is  the  only  proper  distinction.  We 
are  riot  to  vaunt  ourselves  upon  our  riches  or  our  honours, 
but  to  clothe  ourselves  with  humility ;  to  condescend  to 
men  of  low  estate  ;  to  be  the  friends  of  merit  in  whatever 
rank  we  find  it.  We  are  connected  with  men  of  the  most 
Indigent  circumstances,  and  in  a  lodge  (though  our  Order 
deprives  no  man  of  the  honour  due  to  his  dignity  or  cha 


OM    THE    DESIGN    OF    MASONRY.  377 

ractei,)  we  rank  as  Brethren  on  a  level  ;2  and  out  of  a 
lodge,  the  most  abject  wretch  we  behold  belongs  to  the 
great  fraternity  of  mankind  ;  and,  therefore,  when  it  is 
in  our  power,  it  is  our  duty  to  support  the  distressed, 
and  patronize  the  neglected. 

It  directs  us  to  divest  ourselves  of  confined  and  bigot- 
ed notions,  (the  source  of  so  many  cruel  persecutions,) 
and  teaches  us  that  humanity  is  the  soul  of  all  religions. 
We  never  suffer  any  religious  disputes  in  our  lodges, 
(such  disputes  tend  to  disturb  the  tranquillity  of  the  mind, 
and  as  Masons,  we  believe  that  in  every  nation  he  that 
feareth  Him  and  worketh  righteousness,  is  accepted  of 
Him.  All  Masons,  therefore,  whether  Christians,  Jews, 
or  Mahometans,  who  violate  not  the  rule  of  right,  written 
by  the  Almighty  upon  the  tablets  of  the  heart,  who  do 
fear  Him,  and  work  righteousness,  we  are  to  acknowledge 
as  Brethren ;  and  though  we  take  different  roads,  we  are 
not  to  be  angry  with  each  other  on  that  account;  we 
mean  all  to  travel  to  the  same  place  ;  we  know  that  the 
end  of  our  journey  is  the  same  ;  and  we  are  all  affection- 
ately to  hope  to  meet  in  the  lodge  of  perfect  happiness. 
How  lovely  is  an  institution  fraught  with  sentiments  like 
these ;  how  agreeable  must  it  be  to  Him  who  is  seated 
on  a  throne  of  everlasting  mercy  ;  to  that  God  who  is  no 
respecter  of  persons. 

It  instructs  us  likewise  in  our  duty  to  ourselves ;  it 
teaches  us  to  set  just  bounds  to  our  desires;  to  put  a 
curb  upon  our  sensual  appetites ;  to  walk  uprightly. 

Our  Order  excludes  women ;   not  because  it  is  unwil- 

2  The  level  is  an  emblem  of  equality ;  because  with  God  there  is  no  re- 
spect of  persons,  and  in  His  sight  all  men  are  equal ;  liable  to  the  same 
infirmities,  redeemed  by  the  same  Saviour,  subject  to  the  same  death  and 
judgment.  This  is  the  sense  in  which  Masons  understand  the  equality 
of  members  in  tyled  lodges.  They  know  nothing  of  that  levelling  equali- 
ty which  is  the  idol  of  the  revolutionists  of  this  world ;  they  are  taught 
by  their  Constitutions  to  be  "peaceable  subjects,  and  obedient  to  the 
civil  powers ;"  and  are  enemies  to  that  confusion  and  anarchy  which  is 
destructive  of  social  happiness.  Hence  the  level  distinguishes  the  Senior 
Warden,  to  remind  him  that  while  he  presides  over  the  labours  of  the 
lodge,  by  command  of  the  W.  M.,  as  the  Junior  Warden  does  over  its  re- 
freshments, it  is  his  duty  to  see  that  every  Brother  meets  upon  the  level, 
and  that  the  principle  of  equality  is  preserved  during  the  work,  without 
which  harmony,  the  chief  support  of  our  institution,  could  not  be  main- 
tained in  its  purity  and  usefulness 


^78  ON    THE    DESIGN    OF    MASONRY. 

ling  we  should  pay  a  proper  regard  to  that  lovely  sex,3 
the  greatest,  the  most  valuable  gift  that  heaven  has  be- 
stowed upon  us,  but  it  bids  us  enjoy  their  society  in  such 
a  manner  as  the  laws  of  conscience,  society,  and  temper- 
ance, permit.4  It  commands  us  for  momentary  gratifica- 
tions not  to  destroy  the  peace  of  families ;  not  to  take 


3  Our  ancient  Brethren  were   not  particularly  complimentary  to  the 
sex,  if  the  following  were  really  introduced,  as  we  are  told,  amongst  the 
reasons  for  holding  their  lodges  on  the  highest  of  hills  or  the  lowest  of 
valleys.     "An  sommet  d'une  grande  montagne,  et  au  loud  d'une  grande 
vallee,  ou  jamais  coq  n'a  cbante,  femme  n'a  babille,  lion  u'a  rugi ;   en  mi 
rnot,  ou  tout  est  tranquille  commc  dans  la  Vallee  de  Josaphat.     Expres- 
sions figurees,  pour  inarquer  la  concordc  et  la  paix  qui  regnent  clan 
assemblies  Mac,onniques,  ct  le  soin  que  Von  prend  d'en  exclure  lesfemu 
After  all,  it  is  a  question  whether  the  onus  of  this  satire  ought  to  be 
chargeable  on  the  craft  in  general ;  for  we  only  find  the  expression  in  one 
formula,  and  it  appears  to  be  an  interpolation  from  Shakespeare.  (Taming 
of  the  Shrew,  Act  i.) 

Have  I  110 1  in  my  time  heard  lions  roar? 
Have  I  not  heard  the  sea,  puff 'd  up  with  winds, 
Rage  like  au  angry  boar  chafed  with  sweat? 
Have  I  not  heard  great  ordnance  in  the  field. 
And  heaven's  artillery  thunder  in  the  skies  ? 
Have  I  not  in  a  pitched  battle  heard 
Loud  larums,  neighing  steeds,  and  trumpet's  clang  ? 
And  do  you  tell  me  of  a  woman's  tongue  ? 

And  it  is  probable  that  Shakespeare  used  it  as  a  parody  on  the  brutal 
dogma  of  Democritus,  who  taught  his  disciples,  according  to  Loertius, 
that  "  to  speak  little  becomes  a  woman ;  plain  attire  adorns  her.  A  wo- 
man is  sharper-witted  for  mischief  than  a  man.  To  obey  a  woman  is  the 
greatest  ignominy  to  a  man." 

4  A  writer  in  Moore's  Freemasons'  Magazine,  published  at  Boston,  in 
the  United  States  of  America,  says  very  truly,  "  never  may  an  houe.-i, 
open-hearted  Mason  fear  that  the  better  part  of  the  creation  will  urge 
against  his  Order,  to  his  detriment,  the  circumstance  that  the  ladies  are 
not  admitted  to  a  membership  among  Free  and  Accepted  Masons.     Let 
him  tell  what  is  the  fact,  that  Minerva,  the  goddess  of  wisdom,  presides 
in  the  masonic  lodges,  in  which  she  would  have  but  a  divided  empire,  if  the 
goddess  of  beauty  were  admitted  along  with  her.     Wo  surely  could  not 
trust  Venus  and  Minerva  together  in  our  lodges,  lest  we  should  become 
too  much  distracted  with  the  blandishments  of  Beauty  to  hear  at  all  the 
severer  teachings  of  Wisdom.    But  it  will  be  high  time  to  attempt  a 
laboured  defence  of  this  masonic  usage  when  a  lady  shall  complain  of  it,  or 
when  she  shall  refuse  to  make  a  secret-keeping  Mason  the  lord  of  her 
affections;  pillowing'  on  her  pure  heart  both  the  imli  -jt  and  the 
secret  which  it  contains.     Could  she  make  him  a  ivin\,ade  to  honour,  how 
would  she  loathe  hirn  ?     How  unsafe  in  such  hands,  and  in  such  keeping, 
would  she  ever  after  consider  her  own  fame,  and  those  gems  of  affection 
which  woman  never  gives,  save  to  the  trusty,  the  brave,  the  unconquer- 
able, and  the  inflexible  in  purpose." 


ON    THE    DESIGN    OF    MASONRY.  379 

away  the  happiness,  (a  happiness  with  which  grandeur 
and  riches  are  not  to  be  compared,)  which  those  expe- 
rience whose  hearts  are  united  by  love  ;  not  to  profane 
the  tirst  and  most  holy  institution  of  nature.  To  enjoy 
the  blessings  sent  by  divine  beneficence,  it  tells  us,  is 
virtue  and  obedience  ;  but  it  bids  us  avoid  the  allure- 
ments of  intemperance,  whose  short  hours  of  jollity  are 
followed  by  tedious  days  of  pain  and  dejection ;  whose 
joys  turn  to  madness,  and  lead  to  diseases  and  to  death. 
Such  are  the  duties  which  our  Order  teaches  us,  arid  Ma- 
sonry (the  heavenly  genius!)  seems  now  thus  to  address  us: 
"  The  Order  I  have  established  in  every  part  of  it 
shows  consummate  wisdom ;  founded  on  moral  and  social 
virtue,  it  is  supported  by  strength  ;  it  is  adorned  by 
beauty,  for  everything  is  found  in  it  that  can  make  soci- 
ety agreeable.  In  the  most  striking  manner  I  teach  you 
to  act  with  propriety  in  every  station  of  life.  The  tools 
and  implements  of  architecture,  and  everything  about 
you,  I  have  contrived  to  be  most  expressive  symbols  to 
convey  to  you  the  strongest  moral  truths.  Let  your  im- 
provement be  proportionable  to  your  instruction.  Be 
not  contented  with  the  name  only  of  Freemasons.  In- 
vested with  my  ancient  and  honourable  badge,5  be  Masons 
indeed.  Think  not  that  it  is  to  be  so  to  meet  together, 
and  to  go  through  the  ceremonies  which  I  have  appoint- 
ed; these  ceremonies,  in  such  an  Order  as  mine,  are 
necessary,  but  they  are  the  most  immaterial  part  of  it, 
and  there  are  weightier  matters  which  you  must  not 
omit.  To  be  Masons  indeed,  is  to  put  in  practice  the 
lessons  of  wisdom  which  I  teach  you.  With  reverential 
gratitude,  therefore,  cheerfully  worship  the  Eternal  Pro- 
vidence; bow  down  yourselves  in  filial  and  submissive 
obedience  to  the  unerring  direction  of  the  Mighty  Build- 
er ;  work  by  his  perfect  plans,  and  your  edifices  shall  be 
beautiful  and  everlasting. 


5  The  lambskin  or  white  leather  apron  is  the  well-known  badge  of  a 
Mason,  and  is  the  first  gift  bestowed  on  the  newly-initiated  E.  A.  P. 
The  apron  is  worn  by  Operative  Masons  to  preserve  their  garments  from 
spot  or  stain  ;  but  as  Speculative  Masons,  we  use  it  to  promote  the  princi- 
ples of  morality.  It  is  an  emblem  of  innocence,  and  teaches  us  to  pre- 
serve that  purity  of  life  and  conduct  which  will  not  only  increase  our 
happiness  in  this  world,  but  exalt  us  ultimately  to  a  house  not  made  with 
hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens. 
15* 


380  ON    THE    DESIGN    OF    MASOMIY. 

"I  command  you  to  love  your  neighbour;  stretch 
forth  the  hand  of  relief  to  him  if  he  be  in  necessity;  i/ 
he  be  in  danger,  run  to  his  assistance;  tell  him  the  trut/i 
if  he  be  deceived;  if  he  be  unjustly  reproached  and 
neglected,  comfort  his  soul,  and  soothe  it  to  tranquillity 
You  cannot  show  your  gratitude  to  your  Creator  in  a 
more  amiable  light  than  in  your  mutual  regard  lor  each 
other. 

"  Taught,  as  you  are  by  me,  to  root  out  bigoted 
notions,  have  charity  for  the  religious  sentiments  of  all 
mankind  ;  nor  think  the  mercies  of  the  Father  of  all  the 
families  of  the  earth,  of  that  Being  whom  the  heaven 
of  heavens  cannot  contain,  are  confined  within  the  nar- 
row limits  of  any  particular  sect  or  religion. 

"  Pride  not  yourselves  upon  your  birth,  it  is  of  no 
consequence  of  what  parents  any  man  is  born,  provided 
he  be  a  man  of  merit ;  nor  your  honours,  they  are  the 
objects  of  envy  and  impertinence,  and  must  ere  long  be 
laid  in  the  dust;  nor  your  riches,  they  cannot  gratify 
the  wants  they  create;  but  be  meek  and  lowly  of  heart. 
I  reduce  all  conditions  to  a  pleasing  and  rational  equali- 
ty;  pride  was  not  made  for  man,  and  he  that  humbleth 
himself  shall  be  exalted. 

"  I  am  not  gloomy  and  austere.  I  am  a  preacher  of 
morality,  but  not  a  cruel  arid  severe  one ;  for  I  strive  to 
render  it  lovely  to  you  by  the  charms  of  pleasures  which 
leave  no  sting  behind  ;  by  moral  music,  rational  joy,  and 
harmless  gaiety.  I  bid  you  not  to  abstain  from  the  plea- 
sures of  society,  or  the  innocent  enjoyments  of  love  or 
of  wine :  to  abstain  from  them  is  to  frustrate  the  inten- 
tions of  Providence.  I  enjoin  you  not  to  consecrate  your 
hours  to  solitude.  Society  is  the  true  sphere  of  human 
virtue ;  and  no  life  can  be  pleasing  to  God  but  what  is 
useful  to  man.  On  this  festival,  in  which  well  pleased, 
my  sons,  I  see  you  assembled  to  honour  me,  be  happy. 
Let  no  pensive  look  profane  the  general  joy;  let  sorrow 
cease ;  let  none  be  wretched  ;  and  let  pleasure  and  her 
bosom  friends  attend  this  social  board.  Pleasure  is  a 
stranger  to  every  malignant  and  unsocial  passion,  and  is 
formed  to  expand,  to  exhilarate,  to  humanize  the  heart, 
But  he  is  not  to  be  met  with  at  the  table  of  turbulent 
festivity;  he  disclaims  all  connections  with  indecency 
and  excess,  and  declines  the  society  of  riot  roaring  in  the 


ON    THE    DESIGN    OF    MASONRY.  381 

jollity  of  his  heart.6  A -sense  of  the  dignity  of  human 
nature  always  accompanies  him,  and  he  admits  not  of 
anything  that  degrades  it.  Temperance  and  cheerfulness 
are  his  bosom  friends  ;  and,  at  the  social  board,  where 
he  never  refuses  his  presence,  these  friends  are  always 
placed  on  his  right  hand  and  on  his  left;  during  the  time 
he  generally  addresses  himself  to  cheerfulness,  till  tem- 
perance demands  his  attention.  On  this  festival,  I  say 
be  happy  ;  but,  remember  now,  and  always  remember, 
you  are  Masons,  and  act  in  such  a  manner  that  the 
eyes  of  the  censorious,  ever  fixed  upon  you,  may  see 
nothing  in  your  conduct  worthy  of  reproof;  that  the 
tongue  of  the  slanderer,  always  ready  to  revile  you, 
may  be  put  to  silence.  Be  models  of  virtue  to  man- 
kind. Examples  profit  more  than  precepts.  Lead  un- 
corrupt  lives,  do  the  thing  which  is  right,  and  speak 
the  truth  from  your  hearts.  Slander  not  your  neigh- 
bour, and  do  no  other  evil  unto  him ;  and  let  your  good 
actions  convince  the  world  of  the  wisdom  and  advantages 
of  my  institution.  The  un worthiness  of  some  of  those 
who  have  been  initiated  into  my  Order,  but  who  have 
not  made  themselves  acquainted  with  me,  and  who, 
because  I  am  a  friend  to  rational  gaiety,  have  ignorantly 
thought  excesses  might  be  indulged  in,  has  been  disgrace- 
ful to  themselves,  and  discreditable  to  me. 

"  Have  I  any  occasion  to  mention  charity  to  a  lodge 
where  no  object  of  distress  has  ever  applied  without  be- 
ing relieved — to  a  lodge  which  has  decreed  that,  on  the 
festivals  of  St.  John,7  there  should  always  be  a  collection 

6  An  objection  is  frequently  urged  against  Freemasonry  on  the  ground 
that  men,  who,  before  they  were  Freemasons,  were  lovers  of  sobriety  and 
domestic  life,  have  afterwards  been  intemperate,  and  fond  of  resorting  to 
places  of  public  entertainment.     If  any  real  foundation  were  ever  given 
to  this  objection,  it  must  have  been  by  men  who  have  shut  their  ears  to 
the  earnest  and  repeated  admonitions  of  their  Order ;  which,  though  it 
indulges  rational  festivity,  forbids,  in  the  strongest  manner,  irregularity 
and  intemperance.     Thus,  in  the  old  Gothic  charge  of  behaviour  after  the 
lodge  is  closed,  the  Brethren  are  permitted  to  "  enjoy  themselves  with 
innocent  mirth,  treating  one  another  according  to  their  ability,  but  avoid- 
ing all  excess ;  not  forcing  any  Brother  to  eat  or  drink  beyond  his  incli- 
nation, according  to  the  old  regulation  of  King  Alaasuerus,  (Esther,  i. 
5,)  nor  hindering  him  from  going  home  when  he  pleases ;  for  though, 
after  lodge  hours,  Masons  are  like  other  men,  yet  the  blame  of  their  excess 
may  be  'hrown  upon  the  fraternity,  though  unjustly." 

7  One  of  the  by-laws  of  the  Union   Lodge  at  Exeter,  A.  D.  1769, 


382  ON    THE    DESIGN    OF    MASONRY. 

made  for  charitable  purposes,  and  that  the  Master  or 
Wardens  should  recommend  the  propriety  of  it.  Whilst, 
free  from  care,  you  are  enjoying  the  blessings  of  Provi- 
dence, you  forget  not  to  raise  the  drooping  spirits,  and 
exhilarate  the  desponding  hearts  of  indigent  Brethren ; 
and  whilst  you  know  one  worthy  man  is  deprived  of  the 
necessaries  of  life,  you  cannot  enjoy  its  superfluities. 
Ye  have  passed  from  death  unto  life,  because  ye  love  the 
Brethren.  With  the  chains  of  benevolence  and  social 
affection,  I  link  the  welfare  of  every  particular  with  that 
of  the  whole.  The  chief  foundation  of  my  institution  is 
charity.  I  cry  aloud  to  my  children  not  to  pass  by  on 
the  other  side  when  they  see  objects  of  distress,  but  to 
go  to  them,  and  have  compassion  upon  them  ;  to  bind 
up  their  wounds,  pouring  in  oil  and  wine;  to  set  them  on 
their  own  beasts;  to  carry  them  to  a  place  of  safety,  and 
take  care  of  them.  I  bid  them  weep  for  those  who  are 
in  trouble  ;  never  to  see  any  perish  for  want  of  clothing, 
or  suffer  the  stranger  to  lodge  in  the  street,  but  to  open 
the  door  to  the  traveller.  Never  to  cause  the  eyes  of 
the  widow  to  fail,  or  eat  the  morsel  by  themselves  alone, 
and  the  fatherless  not  to  be  partakers  thereof.  I  show 
them  the  path  which  is  perfumed  by  the  breath  of  bene- 
diction, and  which  leads  to  the  celestial  lodge  where  the 
merciful  shall  obtain  mercy. 

"  But  some  might  have  inclination  to  assist  the  poor 
in  their  trouble,  and  not  to  be  able  to  do  so  without  pre- 
judicing themselves  or  their  families.  Remember  that 
when  you  are  directed  to  be  charitable,  I  direct  you  to 
be  so  as  far  as  you  can  without  doing  injury  to  yourselves 
or  your  connections.  But  money  is  not  the  only  thing 
the  unfortunate  stand  in  need  of.  Compassion  points 
out  many  resources  to  those  who  are  not  rich  for  the 
relief  of  the  indigent ;  such  as  consolation,  advice,  pro- 
tection, &c.  The  distressed  often  stand  in  need  only  of 
a  tongue  to  make  known  their  complaints;  they  often 
want  no  more  than  a  word  they  cannot  speak,  a  reason 


directed  "  that  the  Master  of  a  lodge  or  one  of  the  Wardens,  by  his 
Order,  do  take  a  proper  opportunity  soon  after  dinner,  on  every  St.  John's 
Day,  to  recommend  to  the  members,  and  visiting  Brethren  present,  a 
voluntary  contribution  towards  increasing  the  fund  for  charity,  and  that 
a  collection  be  accordingly  made  by  the  treasurer  for  that  purpose." 


ON    THE    DESIGN    OF    MASONRY.  383 

they  are  ashamed  to  give,  or  entrance  at  the  door  of  a 
great  man  which  they  cannot  obtain. 

"  Ye  are  connected  by  sacred  ties;  I  warn  you  never 
to  weaken,  never  to  be  forgetful  of  them.  I  have  only 
to  add,  that  I  wish  you  happy.  Virtue,  my  sons,  con- 
fers peace  of  mind  here,  and  happiness  in  the  regions  of 
immortality."8 

Such  would  be  the  address  of  the  genius  of  Masonry, 
were  she  to  appear  visibly  amongst  us.  And  none  who 
are  emulous  to  sustain  the  character  of  good  and  worthy 
Masons,  could  safely  refuse  to  receive  and  obey  her  in- 
structions. She  thus  teaches  you  that  the  qualifications 
necessary  to  form  a  worthy  member  of  our  Order  are,  a 
wise  philanthropy,  pure  morality,  inviolable  secrecy, 
and  a  taste  for  the  polite  arts. 

Lycurgus,  Solon,  Numa,  and  all  other  political  legisla- 
tors, could  not  make  their  establishments  durable.  How 
wise  soever  their  laws  might  have  been,  they  could  not 
»  xtend  them  into  every  country  and  every  age.  As 
:hese  laws  had  in  view  only  victories  and  conquests, 
military  violence,  and  the  elevation  of  one  people  above 
another,  they  could  not  become  universal,  nor  agree  with 
the  taste,  the  genius,  and  the  interests  of  every  nation. 
Philanthropy  was  not  their  basis.  The  love  of  country, 
badly  understood,  and  carried  to  an  excess,  often  destroyed 
in  those  warlike  republics  the  love  of  humanity  in  gene- 
ral. Men  are  not  essentially  distinguished  by  the  dif- 
ference of  the  languages  they  speak,  the  dresses  they, 
wear,  or  the  dignities  with  which  they  are  invested. 
The  whole  world  is  but  one  great  republic,  of  which 
every  nation  is  a  family,  and  every  particular  person  a 
uhild.  To  revive  and  spread  abroad  those  ancient 
maxims  drawn  from  the  nature  of  man,  is  one  of  the  ends 
of  our  establishment.  We  wish  to  unite  all  men  of  an 
agreeable  humour  and  enlightened  understanding,  not 
only  by  the  love  of  the  polite  arts,  but  still  more  by  the 
great  principles  of  virtue  ;  and  from  such  an  union,  the 
interest  of  the  fraternity  becomes  that  of  all  mankind. 
From  such,  every  nation  may  draw  solid  knowledge, 

8  Or  in  the  more  expressive  language  of  the  old  lectures,  "  V  irtue  is 
true  nobility  ;  wisdom  is  the  channel  by  which  virtue  is  directed  ;  wisdom 
and  virtue  alone  can  distinguish  us  as  Freemasons." 


384  ON    THE    DESIGN    OF    MASONRY. 

and  all  the  subjects  of  different  kingdoms  may  conspire 
without  jealousy,  live  without  discord,  and  mutually  love 
one  another  without  renouncing  their  country.9 

Thus  Masonry  instructs  us  in  our  duty  to  the  Supreme 
Architect  of  the  universe,  to  our  neighbours,  and  our- 
selves. It  teaches  truth,  peace,  and  concord.  It  bids 
us  open  our  ears  to  the  cries  of  the  unfortunate,  and  ex- 
tend our  hands  to  them  with  the  cup  of  consolation;  it 
unites  men  of  all  nations  in  one  affectionate  bond  of 
Brotherhood;  it  shows  us  we  are  all  upon  a  level,  and 
that  merit  is  the  only  just  distinction.  It  orders  us  to 
live  within  compass,  and  always  to  act  upon  the  square 
with  the  world,  and  with  one  another.  It  is  not  gloomy, 
but  cheerful ;  it  forbids  intemperance,  but  encourages 
rational  mirth  and  innocent  pleasure;  in  short,  it  is  a 
superstructure  fixed  with  solid  firmness  on  the  broad  basis 
of  moral  and  social  virtue. 

Sound  morality  is  also  required  in  our  society.  Let 
a  man's  religion,  or  mode  of  it,  be  what  it  will,  we  do 
not  exclude  him  from  the  benefits  and  advantages  of  our 
Order,  provided  he  believes  in  the  glorious  Architect  of 
heaven  arid  earth,  and  practises  the  sacred  duties  of  mo- 
rality. We  are  directed  to  expand  our  hearts  with  the 
most  generous  sentiments,  to  root  out  bigotry,  and  stop 
the  cruel  hand  of  persecution.  We  are  bid  to  unite  with 
virtuous  men  of  the  most  distant  countries  and  opposite 
opinions ;  and  to  unite  with  them  in  the  firm  and  pleas- 
ing bond  of  fraternal  love.  We  therefore  banish  from 
our  lodges  every  dispute  which  may  tend  to  disturb  the 
tranquillity  of  the  mind  and  gentleness  of  the  manners ; 
or  to  destroy  those  sentiments  of  friendship,  and  that 


9  These  happy  results  would  always  distinguish  Freemasonry,  if  the 
lodges  were  influenced  in  the  selection  of  their  candidates  by  the  three 
requisites  which  were  enjoined  by  our  ancient  Brethren,  denominated 
physical,  mental,  and  moral.  The  physical  qualifications  are,  that  the 
candidate  shall  be  a  free  man,  bom  of  a  free  woman,  of  mature  age,  and 
able  body.  The  mental  qualifications  embrace  sanity  of  mind ;  a  capa- 
bilty  of  understanding  the  obligations  and  instructions  of  the  Order,  that 
he  may  be  prepared  to  perform  its  duties  The  moral  qualifications  are, 
that  he  shall  neither  be  an  atheist,  an  infidel,  nor  an  irreligious  libertine ; 
that  he  must  obey  the  moral  law,  and  practise  the  four  cardinal  and  the 
three  theological  virtues ;  he  must  be  an  humble  believer  in  the  wisdom, 
power,  and  goodness  of  God,  because  this  constitutes  the  religious  creed  of 
Freemasonry,  and  acts  as  a  check  upon  vice,  and  a  stimulus  to  virtue. 


ON    THE    DESIGN    OF    MASONRY.  386 

perfect  harmony  to  be  found  only  in  the  retrenching  all 
indecent  excesses  and  discordant  passions. 

The  obligations  that  the  Order  lays  upon  its  members, 
are  to  protect  the  Brethren  by  your  authority  :  to  en- 
lighten them  by  your  understanding;  to  edify  them  by 
your  virtues  ;  to  sacrifice  every  personal  resentment,  and 
diligently  to  seek  for  everything  which  will  best  contri- 
bute to  the  peace,  concord,  and  credit  of  the  society. 
Let  your  heart  be  always  ready  to  commiserate  distress; 
your  hand  ever  open  to  relieve  it.  Drop  balm  upon  the 
wounds  affliction  has  made,  and  bind  up  the  hearts  which 
sorrow  has  broken,  and  thus  experience  the  exalted  hap- 
piness of  communicating  happiness  to  others. 

We  have  secrets  amongst  us,  which  compose  a  lan- 
guage, sometimes  mute,  and  sometimes  very  eloquent, 
to  be  communicated^ at  the  greatest  distance,  and  to  know 
our  Brethren  by,  let  their  country  or  their  language  be 
what  it  will. 

What  has  scarcely  happened  to  any  other  society,  has 
happened  to  ours.  Our  lodges  have  been  established  in, 
and  are  now  spread  over,  all  polite  nations;  and  yet, 
amongst  so  great  a  multitude  of  men,  no  Brother  has 
ever  yet  betrayed  our  secrets.10  Dispositions  the  most 
volatile,  the  most  indiscreet,  and  the  least  trained  up  to 
secresy,  learn  this  great  science  as  soon  as  they  enter 
amongst  us.  So  great  an  empire  over  the  mind  has  the 
idea  of  brotherly  union  !  This  inviolable  secresy  power- 
fully contributes  to  link  together  the  subjects  of  different 
kingdoms,  and  to  facilitate,  arid  render  mutual  between 
them,  the  communication  of  benefits.  We  have  many 
examples  of  it  in  the  annals  of  our  Order.  Brethren 

10  It  was  one  of  the  most  ancient  injunctions  of  Masonry  to  keep  in- 
violate the  secrets  of  the  Order,  although  this  appearance  of  mystery 
subjected  the  Brethren  of  the  middle  ages  to  many  evil  imputations.  An 
old  masonic  MS.  gives  the  following  rule  : — 

The  thrydde  poynt  most  be  severele, 

With  the  prentes  knovve  hyt  wele, 

His  mayster  cownsel  he  kepe  and  close, 

And  hys  felows  by  hys  goode  purpose ; 

The  prevetyse  of  the  chamber  telle  he  no  mon, 

Ny  yn  the  logge  whatsever  they  donn ; 

Whatsever  thou  heryst,  or  syste  hem  do. 

Telle  yt  no  mon,  whersevei-  thou  go ; 

The  cownsel  of  halle,  and  yeke  of  bowre, 

Kepe  hyt  wel  to  gret  honowre, 

Lest  hyt  wolde  tonic  thyself  to  blame, 

And  brynge  the  craft  ynto  gret  schame. 


386  ON    THE    DESIGN    OF    MASONRY. 

travelling  over  the  various  nations  of  Europe,  and  finding 
themselves  distressed,  have  made  themselves  known  to 
our  lodges,  and  immediately  have  they  received  all  ne- 
cessary  assistance.11  We  are  connected  by  solemn  pro- 
mises. If  any  one  should  fail  in  the  solemn  promi 
which  connect  us,  you  know,  Brethren,  that  there  is  no 
greater  punishment  than  the  remorse  of  conscience,  the 
infamy  of  perfidy,  and  the  exclusion  from  our  society. 

The  famous  feasts  of  Ceres  at  Eleusis,  of  Isis  in  Egypt, 
of  Minerva  at  Athens,  of  Urania  amongst  the  Phoenicians, 
and  of  Diana  in  Scythia,  had  some  relation  to  our  solemni- 
ties. Mysteries  were  celebrated  in  them  in  which  many 
vestiges  of  the  ancient  religion  of  Noah  and  the  patri- 
archs are  to  be  met  with.  They  finished  by  repasts  and 
libations,  but  without  the  excesses,  debaucheries,  and 
intemperance,  which  the  pagans  by  degrees  fell  into. 
The  source  of  all  these  infamies,  was  the  admission  of 
persons  of  both  sexes  to  their  nocturnal  assemblies,  con- 
trary to  their  primitive  institution.12  It  is  to  prevent 
such  abuses  that  women  are  excluded  from  our  Order. 
It  is  not  that  we  do  not  pay  a  natural  and  due  regard  to 
that  most  beauteous  part  of  the  creation,  or  that  we  are 
unjust  enough  to  look  upon  them  as  incapable  of  secresy, 


11  The  incident  which  induced  Lord  Ramsay,  one  of  the  Scottish  Grand 
Masters,  to  become  a  Mason,  is  a  proof  that  this  practice  is  not  a  vain 
boast.     As  this  nobleman  was  walking  with  his  tutor,  before  he  became 
of  age,  a  wretched  beggar,  who  appeared  to  be  a  foreigner,  entreated  his 
charity.     The  clergyman  turned  round  to  question  the  suppliant,  and  in 
a  moment  grasped  his  hand  with  the  most  cordial  kindness.     Lord  Ram- 
say was  surprised.     The  stranger  was  a  Freemason  ;  he  was  fed,  clothed, 
and  supplied  with  the  means  of  transport  to  the  coast  of  Syria,  from 
whence  he  came.     This  circumstance  made  such  an  impression  upon  Lord 
Ramsay,  that  he  determined,  as  soon  as  possible,  to  join  an  association  so 
pregnant  with  good  works. 

12  The  above  observation  is  most  true ;  but  the  reasons  for  which  the 
custom  was  introduced  appear  plausible  in  theory,  how  revolting  soever 
they  might  prove  in  practice.     It  was  a  received  opinion  amongst  many 
ancient  nations,  that  some  of  their  gods  were  propitious  only  to  men, 
and  others  only  to  women  ;  which  made  them  sometimes  prohibit  the  one, 
and  sometimes  the  other,  from  being  present  at  their  sacred  rites  and 
solemnities.     The  Lacedemonians  took  away  this  piece  of  superstition  by 
admitting  both  sexes  to  their  most  secret  religious  services.     Thus  fe- 
males were  initiated  into  the  most  holy  mysteries,  as  well  as  males,  that 
so  by  an  early  knowledge  of  each  other,  there  might  be  a  real  love  and 
friendship  established  between  them,  which  ever  stood  most  firm  upon  the 
basis  of  religion. 


ON    THE    DESIGN    OF    MASONRY.  3 

but  because  their  presence  might  insensibly  alter  the 
purity  of  bur  maxims  and  our  manners;  we  are  afraid, 
nor  groundless  are  our  fears,  that  love  would  enter  with 
them,  and  draw  us  to  his  flowery  tempting  paths,  where 
jealousy  too  often  would  diffuse  his  venom  through  our 
hearts,  and  from  affectionate  Brethren,  transform  us  into 
implacable  rivals. 

Another  qualification  necessary  to  enter  into  our  Or- 
der, is  a  taste  for  useful  sciences,  and  liberal  arts  of  every 
kind.  These  improve  the  heart  as  much  as  the  under- 
standing; moderate  the  selfish  affections;  sweeten  and 
harmonize  the  temper,  and  better  fit  men  for  social  hap- 
piness— that  happiness  which  Freemasonry  most  zealous- 
ly endeavours  to  promote. 

The  name  of  Freemason  ought  not,  then,  to  betaken  in 
a  literal,  gross,  and  material  sense,  as  if  we  were  simple 
workmen  in  stone  and  marble.  We  do  not  consecrate 
our  talents  and  our  riches  to  the  construction  of  external 
temples,  but  enlighten,  edify,  and  protect  the  living  tem- 
ples of  the  Most  High. 

Thus  have  I  given  you  some  account  of  Masonry,  and 
the  qualifications  necessary  to  make  a^orthy  member 
of  it ;  by  which  you  see  it  is  not  a  ridiculous  and  trifling, 
but  a  very  serious  and  important  institution ;  an  institu- 
tion founded  on  the  most  exalted  principles  of  moral  and 
social  virtue.13  May  we  ever  keep  in  view  its  noble  and 
real  design,  and  catch  the  spirit  of  it.  May  it  be  our 
glory  to  practise  the  duties  it  prescribes.  Moral  archi- 
tect'; as  we  are,  may  we  build  temples  for  every  virtue; 
prisons  and  dungeons  for  vice,  indecency,  and  immorali- 
wy.14  May  we  be  disposed  to  every  humane  and  friendly 

13  Addressed  to  a  clergyman  : — "  You,  Brother,  are  a  preacher  of  that 
religion  of  which  the  distinguishing  characteristics  are  universal  bene- 
volence and  unbounded  charity.     You  cannot,  therefore,  but  be  fond  of 
the  Order,  and  zealous  of  the  interests  of  Freemasonry,  which,  in  the 
strongest  manner,  inculcates  the  same  charity  and  benevolence,  and  which, 
like  that  religion,  encourages  every  moral  and  social  virtue,  which  en- 
forces the  practice  of  all  the  softer  virtues  of  humanity,  which  introduces 
peace  and  goodwill  amongst  mankind,  and  is  the  centre  of  union  to  those 
who  otherwise  might  have  remained  at  a  perpetual  distance  ;  and  believe 
me,  Brother,  that  whoever  is  warmed  with  the  true  spirit  of  Christianity, 
must  esteem — must  love  Freemasonry." 

14  Addressed  to  a  French  gentleman  : — "  You,  Brother,  the  native  and 
subject  of  another,  a  great  and  enlightened  kingdom,  you,  by  entering 


388  ON    THE    DESIGN    OF    MASONRY. 

office,  ever  ready  to  pour  oil  and  wine  into  the  wounds 
of  our  distressed  Brethren,  and  gently  bind  them  up  (it 
is  one  of  the  principal  ends  of  our  institution),  so  that 
when  those  who  speak  evil  or  lightly  of  us  behold  our 
conduct,  and  see  by  our  means  the  hungry  fed,  the  naked 
clothed,  the  sick  sustained  and  cherished — shall  see  our 
light  so  usefully  shine — their  evil  speaking  rnay  be 
silenced,  their  foolish  prejudices  removed,  and  they  may 
be  convinced  that  Masonry  is  an  useful  and  a  venerable 
structure,  supported  by  the  great  and  everlasting  pillars 
of  wisdom,  strength,  and  beauty. 

into  our  Order,  have  connected  yourself  by  sacred  and  affectionate  ties 
with  thousands  of  Masons  in  this  and  other  nations.  Ever  reflect  that 
the  Order  you  have  entered  into  bids  you  always  look  upon  the  world  as 
one  great  republic,  of  which  every  nation  is  a  family,  and  every  particular 
person  a  child.  When,  therefore,  you  are  returned  to,  and  settled  in, 
your  own  country,  take  care  that  the  progress  of  friendship  be  not  con- 
fined to  the  narrow  circle  of  national  connections  or  particular  religions, 
but  let  it  be  universal,  and  extend  to  every  branch  of  the  human  race. 
At  the  same  time,  always  consider  that  oesides  the  common  ties  of 
humanity,  you  have  this  night  entered  into  other  obligations,  which  en- 
gage you  to  kind  and  friendly  actions  to  your  Brother  Masons  of  all 
countries  and 


LECTURE    XI. 

ON  THE    MASONIC    DUTIES. 

LODGE,  NO.  378,  NEWCASTLE.       BY  THE  REV.  R.  GREEN, 
OF  DURHAM,   1776. 

"  A  Mason  ought  to  be  the  most  valiant  warrior,  the  most  just  judge, 
the  kindest  master,  the  most  zealous  servant,  the  tenderest  father,  the 
most  faithful  husband,  and  the  most  obedient  son  ;  for  his  duties  as  a 
citizen  in  general  have  been  strengthened  and  rendered  sacred  by  the 
voluntary  masonic  obligation  ;  and  he,  if  ever  he  should  neglect  them,  not 
only  would  show  a  want  of  fortitude,  but  also  be  guilty  of  hypocrisy  and 
perjury." — EXHORTATIONS  FROM  THE  GERMAN. 

THE  privileges  which  the  members  of  a  Freemasons' 
lodge  enjoy  are  too  numerous,  and  of  too  exalted  a  cha- 
racter, to  be  comprised  within  the  limits  of  a  single  ad- 
dress, and  I  shall,  therefore,  only  mention  one  or  two  of 
these  on  this  occasion.  Removed  from  that  disagreeable 
bustle,  tumultuous  confusion,  and  fortuitous  intercom- 
munity, which  must  unavoidably  happen  in  houses  of 
public  concourse,  we  are  now,  I  hope,  both  in  a  com- 
modious situation,  and  also  a  place  of  safe  retirement, 
where  we  may  securely  enjoy  generous  freedom,  innocent 
mirth,  social  friendship,  and  useful  instruction ;  with 
many  other  privileges  that  might  here  be  mentioned. 

But,  as  there  is  no  privilege  which  is  of  real  use  but 
what  is  likewise  subject  to  abuse,  it  therefore  behoves 
each  of  us  to  look  carefully  to  ourselves,  that  none  of  us 
be  found  guilty  of  any  abuse  whatever.  Therefore,  as 
we  have  our  refreshment  under  our  own  management,1 

1  It  was  frequently  the  custom  of  the  Brethren  in  those  days,  who  had 
been  prudent  enough  to  erect  a  masonic  hall  for  their  exclusive  use,  to 
furnish  the  vaults  underneath  their  lodge  room  with  a  stock  of  wine,  and 
other  necessaries,  which  made  them  totally  independant  as  to  the  quality 
and  quantity  of  the  refreshment  which  they  thought  proper  to  use. 


390  ON    THE    MASONIC    DUTIES. 

and  our  time  at  our  own  disposal,  I  should  think,  that  a 
moderate  use  of  the  one,  and  an  useful  improvement  of 
the  other,  would  stand  in  need  of  very  few  arguments  to 
enforce  the  practice  of  either;  more  especially  as  we  hold 
temperance,  fortitude,  justice,  and  prudence  to  be  somr 
of  our  first  foundation-principles;2  and,  moreover,  as 
meekness,  temperance,  moderation,  and  charity  are  so 
often  recommended  in  the  divine  law,  to  which  we  pre- 
tend to  pay  the  greatest  deference.  Let  us,  therefore, 
not  be  slothful  in  business,  not  wasters  of  time,  but  fer- 
vent in  spirit,  serving  our  Lord.  And  as  we  have  this 
day  dedicated  and  set  apart  this  place  for  the  worship  of 
the  true  God,  and  the  contemplation  of  his  wonderful 
works,  it  would,  therefore,  be  so  much  the  more  incon- 
gruous in  any  one  of  us,  ever  to  make  any  other  use 
thereof  than  that  to  which  it  is  now  destined,  or  to  sutler 
any  mean  or  unworthy  practices,  i.  e.  such  as  are  unbecom- 
ing the  Christian  profession,  ever  to  be  exercised  within 
these  walls,  at  least  so  long  as  it  is  in  our  possession. 

The  better  to  attain  these  great  ends,  let  us  always,  when 
we  meet  here,  be  moderate  in  our  expenses,  temperate  in 
our  regalements,3  innocent  in  our  amusements,  and  pru- 
dent in  the  length  of  time  employed  in  each  of  these; 
and  in  all  things  so  ordering  our  whole  deportment,  as 
to  render  due  obedience  to  our  Creator,  perform  real 
justice  to  our  neighbour,  and  practise  genuine  virtue  for 
ourselves. 


s  I  am  afraid,  as  society  in  the  last  century  were  bms  vivants,  the  Ma- 
sons did  not  escape  censure  on  this  point.  The  by-laws  of  the  lodge  at 
Lincoln,  which  existed  in  the  early  part  of  the  last  century,  constitute  a 
proof  of  the  truth  of  this  conjecture.  Thus  they  provide  that — "  The 
lodge  shall  be  opened  and  closed  at  the  appointed  hours,  so  that  there 
may  be  one  examination  at  least  gone  through  every  lodge  night ;  and 
the  person  who  neglects  it  shall  forfeit  a  bottle  of  wine,  to  be  drank  by 
the  Brethren  after  the  lodge  is  closed,  to  make  them  some  part  of  amends. 
Not  fewer  than  three  leaves  of  the  constitutions  shall  be  read,  &c.,  under 
the  penalty  of  one  bottle  of  wine,  to  be  paid  as  aforesaid.  No  Brother 
made  in  another  lodge  shall  be  passed  Master  in  this  lodge  under  half-a 
guinea,  to  be  paid  for  the  entertainment  of  the  Masters  present.'' 

3  The  original  Gothic  charges  were  particularly  applied  to  the  preser- 
vation of  temperance,  in  professed  imitation  of  the  old  regulation  of  King 
Ahasuerus,  in  whose  reign  "the  drinking  was  according  to  the  law, 
none  were  compelled ;  for  so  the  king  had  appointed  to  all  the  officers  of 
his  house,  that  they  should  do  according:  to  every  man's  pleasure." 
(Esther  i.  8.) 


ON    THE    MASONIC    DUTIES.  391 

There  is  one  thing  that  I  would  earnestly  desire  to  be 
practised  in  this  lodge,  and  that  is,  that  on  all  lodge 
nights  every  member  thereof  should  keep  good  hours, 
and  go  soberly  home ;  and  if  he  choose  to  indulge  him- 
self in  staying  a  little  later  abroad,  that  he  should  do  this 
jit  any  other  time,  rather  than  on  the  lodge  nights.4  This 
would  be  one  method,  amongst  several  others,  that 
might,  be  used  of  making  our  friends  and  families,  but 
especially  the  fair  sex,  to  entertain  a  far  better  opinion 
of  Freemasonry  than  they  generally  do.  By  this,  and 
some  similar  methods,  they  would  be  induced  to  think, 
for  instance,  that  we  spent  less  money  on  account  of 
Masonry  than  is  generally  thought ;  that  we  were  em- 
ployed in  more  sober  exercises  than  is  frequently  ima- 
gined ;  and,  in  a  word,  that  the  strictest  decorum  in 
all  things  is  always  most  scrupulously  maintained  in  our 
society. 

But  when  I  reflect  on  our  excellent  by-laws,  I  find  it 
almost  needless  for  me  to  expatiate  on  this  head,  because 
they  are  in  this  article  sufficiently  explicit,  if  only  they 
were  but  something  more  punctually  adhered  to.  Be- 
sides this,  I  am  agreeably  prevented  from  enlarging  on 
this  topic,  when  I  look  round  this  assembly,  and  see  all 
the  offices  of  dignity  supported  by  Brethren,  who,  I  am 
firmly  persuaded,  want  neither  inclination  nor  abilities, 
both  to  recommend  and  to  enforce  whatever  may  be  found 
necessary  to  maintain  the  universal  reputation  of  the 
institution  in  general,  and  the  true  felicity  of  this  lodge 
in  particular.5 

4  A  dissiwiive  from  this  indulgence  altogether  would  have  been  better, 
because  drunkenness  is  a  social  festive  vice,  apt,  beyond  any  vice  that  can 
be  mentioned,  to  draw  in  others  by  the  example.  The  drinker  collects 
his  circle,  the  circle  naturally  spreads  ;  of  those  who  are  drawn  within  it, 
many  become  corrupters  and  centres  of  sets  and  circles  of  their  own ; 
every  one  countenancing,  and,  perhaps,  emulating  the  rest,  till  a  whole 
neighbourhood  be  infected  from  the  contagion  of  a  single  example.  This 
account  is  confirmed  by  what  we  often  observe  of  drunkenness,  that  it  is 
a  local  vice,  found  to  prevail  in  certain  countries,  in  certain  districts  of  a 
country,  or  in  particular  towns,  without  any  reason  to  be  given  for  the 
fashion,  but  that  it  had  been  introduced  by  some  popular  example.  (Faley.) 

6  The  principal  design  of  the  laws  of  Masonry  is  to  promote  the  har- 
mony of  its  members,  and  by  that  means  create  a  marked  line  of  distinc- 
tion between  Freemasonry  and  every  other  existing  society.  The 
attributes  of  the  several  degrees  were  therefore  distinctly  characterized, 
that  no  mistake  might  occur  in  their  appMcation  to  the  business  of  the 


ON    THE    MASONIC    DUTIES. 

Only  I  would  beg  to  be  indulged  a  little  in  offering 
you,  my  worthy  Brethren,  and  the  officers  of  this  lodge, 
one  piece  of  sincere  and  friendly  advice,  which,  I  hope, 
may  not  be  altogether  unseasonable.  The  udvice  is  this, 
that  you,  the  officers,  should  have  frequent  meetings 
among  yourselves,  in  order  to  know  and  consult  one 
another,6  concerning  the  good  of  the  society  ;  that  so, 
when  you  come  to  appear  in  the  lodge  on  any  emeriiem-y 
among  the  rest  of  the  Brotherhood,  you  may  all  appear 
to  be  of  one  heart,  and  of  one  mind,  without  any  jarring 
sentiment,  or  contradictory  emotion,  which  must  un- 
avoidably be  the  case,  if  the  foregoing  method,  or  some- 
thing similar  thereto,  be  not  put  in  practice.7  And 
opposition  of  sentiments,  especially  in  those  who  are 
previously  supposed  to  be  agreed,  as  managers  and  lead- 
craft.  The  Brethren  of  the  first  degree  were  expected  to  distinguish 
themselves  by  honour  and  probity  ;  the  fellowcrafts  by  diligence,  assiduity, 
and  a  sincere  love  of  scientific  pursuits ;  while  the  few,  who  by  their 
superior  virtues  attain  to  the  third  degree,  recommended  themselves  to 
notice  by  their  truth,  fidelity,  and  experience  in  the  details  and  landmarks 
of  the  Order. 

6  Hence  originated  lodges  of  instruction,  which  are  now  become  so 
common,  that  the  grand  lodge  has  thought  it  necessary  to  issue  a  specific 
law  upon  the  subject ;  although  it  appears  to  be  rather  vague.     "  No 
general  lodge  of  instruction  shall  be  holden,  unless  under  the  sanction  o* 
a  regular  warranted  lodge,  or  by  the  special  licence  and  authority  of  ,ne 
Grand  Master.     The  lodge  giving  their  sanction,  or  the  Brethren  to 
whom  such  licence  is  granted,  shall  be  answerable  for  the  proceedings  of 
such  lodge  of  instruction,  and  responsible  that  the  mode  of  working  there 
adopted  has  received  the  sanction  of  the  grand  lodge."  (Const.  Lodges 
Df  Instruction.) 

7  In  1842  a  singular  case  occurred  in  New  York,  in  which  the  rights 
and  privileges  of  the  Master  of  a  lodge  were  placed  in  jeopardy  by  the 
action  of  his  lodge.     After  the  lodge  was  opened,  the  Master  had  occa- 
sion to  be  absent  for  a  short  time,  leaving  the  Senior  Warden  in  the 
chair.     On  his  return  to  his  seat,  he  found  that  charges  had  been  pre- 
ferred against  him,  and  a  committee  appointed  to  try  him,  and  the  Senior 
Warden  refused  to  return  to  his  hands  the  warrant  and  mallet  of  the 
lodge ;  complaint  being  made  to  the  Grand  Master  by  the  Master,  he 
directed  the  Grand  Secretary  to  inform  the  said  Senior  Warden,  that  it 
was  his  direction  that  he  should  forthwith  return  the  warrant  to  the  hands 
of  the  Master,  and  that  the  action  of  the  lodge  on  that  case  must  be  sus- 
pended, and  the  members  hold  themselves  in  readiness  to  maintain  their 
charges  before  the  Grand  Stewards'  lodge,  which  was  all  promptly  com- 
plied with  by  the  parties.     The  ground  of  his  decision  was,  that  the 
Master  of  a  lodge  is  only  subject  to  impeachment  and  trial  before  his 
peers,  who  are  acquainted  with  his  duties,  but  which  the  members  of  a 
lodge  cannot  know  until  they  are  themselves  seated  iu  the  oriental  chair. 
(See  the  Transactions  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  New  Turk,  June  7.  1843.) 


ON    THE    MASONIC    DUTIES.  393 

ers  of  the  rest,  must  not  only  be  derogatory  to  these 
officers  themselves,  disgustful  to  their  Brethren,  but  like- 
wise highly  detrimental  to  the  good  order  arid  harmony 
of  this,  or  any  other  society.  Therefore,  as  this  disorder 
is  attended  with  such  pernicious  consequences,  and  might 
be  so  easily  remedied,  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  the  admoni- 
tion will  be  so  much  the  more  readily  complied  with.8 
And  further  still,  what  would  very  much  assist  you  in 
the  honourable  discharge  of  your  duty  as  officers,  would 
be,  to  get  perfectly  acquainted  with  our  excellent  book 
of  constitutions,  our  regulations,  and  by-laws. 

And  as  for  the  rest  of  you,  my  worthy  Brethren,  many 
of  whom  are  yet  but  young  Masons,  I  would  also  pre- 
sume to  offer  you  the  following  thoughts,  viz.,  that  you 
would  give  all  diligence  to  become  proficients  in  this  our 
laudable  profession,  in  order  that  you  may  know  what  is 
incumbent  on  you  by  being  Masons,  arid  how  to  discharge 
your  duty  in  this  particular,  to  your  Creator,  to  your 
neighbour,  and  to  your  own  consciences;  for  many,  fai 
too  many,  there  are  (with  deep  regret  I  utter  the  expres- 
sion), who  know  nothing  more  of  real  Masonry  than  only 
the  mere  nominal  appellation,  to  the  great  danger  of 
their  own  peace  of  conscience  while  here,  their  eternal 
welfare  hereafter,  and  likewise  to  the  great  detriment  of 
our  most  ancient,  honorable,  and  excellent  society.9  A 
knowledge  of  our  duty,  as  far  as  we  can  possibly  attain 
it,  is  an  indispensable  requisite.  And  the  lodge  is  the 
only  proper  place,  wherein  we  can  expect  to  arrive  at 
any  proficiency  in  this  our  noble  science ;  and  by  a  con- 

8  In  1734  it  was  ordered  by  the  grand  lodge,  that  "  if  any  Brother  so 
far  misbehave  himself  as  to  render  his  lodge  uneasy,  he  shall  be  thrice 
admonished  by  ilie.  Master  and  Wardens  in  a  lodge  formed ;  and  if  he  will 
not  refrain  his  imprudence,  nor  obediently  submit  to  the  advice  of  his 
Brethren,  he  shall  be  dealt  with  according  to  the  by-laws  of  that  par- 
ticular lodge,  or  else  in  such  a  manner  as  the  quarterly  communication 
shall  in  their  prudence  think  fit." 

9 1  am  afraid  there  is  much  truth  in  this  observation,  even  at  the  pre- 
sent day.  Numbers  of  Brethren  are  satisfied  with  a  knowledge  of  the 
signs,  words,  and  tokens,  and  search  after  nothing  further.  And  this  is 
the  reason  why  some  of  our  Brethren,  otherwise  worthy  men,  are  inclined 
to  place  Freemasonry  on  no  higher  scale  than  the  ephemeral  societies  of 
the  day.  And  it  is  to  be  feared  that  there  are  many  intelligent  men  who 
have  forsaken  the  Masonic  institution,  rather  than  be  at  the  trouble  of 
investigating  its  merits.  All  this  is  extremely  unfortunate,  but  there  are 
cogent  reasons  for  believing  it  to  be  true. 


ON    THE    MASONIC    DUTIES. 


stant  and  regular  attendance  there,  we  may  reasonably 
expect  to  become  masters  of  this  our  royal  art.10 

When  I  mention  becoming  masters  in  the  art.  of  Mason- 
ry, 1  would  be  understood  not  to  extend  this  expression 
to  its  utmost  degree  of  latitude  ;  because  Masonry  is  one 
one  of  the  largest  fields  for  speculation  of  any  science  or 
profession  whatever,  Christianity  only  excepted  ;  and, 
therefore,  to  become  complete  masters  of  it,  would  re- 
quire more  time  and  pains  than  the  lot  or  the  capacity 
of  the  general  part  of  mankind  can  either  afford,  or  put  in 
practice.  But  that  knowledge  which  I  would  be  under- 
stood to  mean,  is  more  or  less  within  the  reach  of  every 
capacity,  if  cultivated  with  reflection  and  assiduity,  viz., 
a  knowledge  of  the  mysterious  problems,  hieroglyphics, 
symbolical  customs  and  ceremonies  of  our  royal  art,  to- 
gether with  the  origin,  nature,  and  design  of  the  institu- 
tion, its  signs,  words,  tokens,  &c.,n  whereby  Masons  are 

10  The  gradual  progression  of  the  candidate  to  a  competent  knowledge 
of  the  science  of  Masonry,  has  been  clearly  developed  by  a  writer  of  the 
last  century.     He  enumerates  the  three  'classes  as  being  perfectly  dis- 
tinct, and  only  to  be  attained  by  a  perseverance  in  the  practice  of  wisdom 
and  virtue.   And  he  concludes  his  dissertation  by  saying,  that  the  arrange- 
ment is  so  perfect  as  to  promote  friendship  and  hospitality,  to  reward  in- 
dustry, and  to  encourage  ingenuity  and  scientific  research.     No  one,  who 
has  really  given  his  mind  to  the  study  of  the  general  principles  of  the 
Order,  can  reiuse  his  assent  to  so  reasonable  a  proposition. 

11  An  intelligent  Mason,  Bro.  Husenbeth,  thus  expresses  himself  on  the 
signs,  words,  and  tokens  of  the  Order  :  —  "  To  found  the  universality  of 
Freemasonry  upon  the  few  traditional  S.  T.  W.,  which  we  are  taught  in 
the  three  initiatory  degrees,  is  flying  in  the  face  of  masonic  experience. 
and  of  our  universally-spread  doctrines,  and  is  in  opposition  to  the  first 
principles  of  the  craft.    The  Jews,  no  doubt,  had  imbibed  the  principles 
of  secresy  from  tho  Egyptians  during  their  captivity  ;  they  continued, 
under  their  great,  learned,  and  inspired  leader,  those  principles  founded 
upon  the  law  of  God.     But  as  Freemasons  we  are  only  bound  to  believe 
that  the  secret  societies  established  amongst  them  were  governed,  guided. 
and  kept  alive  by  the  known  principles  of  our  Order,  viz.,  charity  to  all 
mankind,  relief  to  the  distressed,  and  truth  in  our  relation  with  others. 
But  believing  in  those  principles,  so  essential  in  all  societies  regularly 
constituted,  we  are  by  no  means  bound  to  believe  in  all  the  idle  tales  of 
S.  T.  and  W.  being  the  same  now  as  they  were  at  the  time  of  the  exit 
Of  Moses  ;  or  in  some  silly  and  ridiculous  traditions  invented  by  fertile 
brains,  and  so  glaringly  depicted  in  pretended  masonic  books,  such  as  the 
silly  book  called  '  Jachin  and  Boaz,'  and  many  others  ;  for  by  whatever 
exterior  marks  or  signs  the  Brethren  of  the  ancient  secret  societies  knew 
each  other,  matters  little  to  the  universality  of  our  doctrines,  provided 
the  grand  principle  be  strictly  observed.     The  Jews,  for  five  hundred 
years  after  their  delivery  from  Egypt,  have  left  us  not  a  single  masonic 


ON    THE    MASONIC    DUTIES.  395 

universally  known  to,  and  can  converse  with,  each  other, 
though  born  and  bred  in  different  countries,  and  though 
they  speak  divers  languages.12 

Many  are  the  encomiums  and  panegyrics  which  have 
been  both  spoken  and  written  in  praise  of  Freemasonry, 
and  that  by  men  of  very  great  abilities,  both  in  nature 
and  literature.  I  have  neither  time,  nor  perhaps  capa- 
city, to  come  up  to  many  that  I  have  heard  and  seen  on 
this  subject,  and  therefore  shall  only  say,  that  there  is 
scarcely  anything  noble,  anything  desirable,  or  anything 
praiseworthy  but  what  has  been  at  some  time  or  other 
applied  to  Masonry ;  and,  indeed,  it  is  no  wonder,  seeing 
that  it  is  upheld  by  those  excellent  pillars,  wisdom, 
strength,  and  be'auty,  which  are  three  endowments  the 
most  desirable  of  any  other  in  this  life ;  and  without 
which  no  regular  science,  nor  mechanism,  can  either  be 
put  in  execution,  or  carried  on  to  any  purpose ;  and 
though  some  may  prefer  riches  to  some  one  of  these  three, 
and  indeed  we  must  all  allow  that  riches  are  good  and 
desirable,  if  they  are  used  for  good  ends,  yet  if  they  be 
desired,  or  preferred,  for  their  own  sake  only,  these  are 
but  mean  and  sordid  sentiments,  which  no  wise  man  or 
good  Mason  can  possibly,  with  any  consistency,  be  pos- 
sessed of.  See  an  instance  in  Solomon,13  where  we  see 
that  this  wisest  of  men  and  best  of  Masons  refused  riches, 

tradition  beyond  that  recorded  in  the  first  degree ;  and  as  the  second  de- 
gree treats  upon  the  arts  and  sciences,  it  certainly  came  from  a  different 
source  than  the  first ;  for  the  ten  commandments,  and  more  especially  the 
Talmudic  explanation  of  the  same,  were  a  bar  to  the  higher  studies  of 
the  Jews."  (Freemasons'  Quarterly  Eeview,  1836,  p.  21.) 

ia  Eabelais  is  very  severe  in  his  reprehension  of  this  system  in  his  ac- 
count of  the  dispute  between  Thaumast,  an  English  philosopher,  and 
Panurge,  the  servant  of  Pantagruel.  His  commentator  says  : — "  Our 
author's  sole  aim  was  to  turn  into  ridicule  the  pretended  science  of  signs 
and  numbers,  taught  by  the  venerable  Bede,  and  too  much  esteemed  of 
by  Thaumast,  an  Englishman,  as  well  as  Bede  himself.  Eabelais  allots  this 
task  to  the  waggish  Panurge,  who,  for  one  sign  which  the  other  makes  to 
him,  gives  him  two  in  return,  and  those  the  most  out-of-the-way  ones  that 
could  be.  Accursius  has  enlivened  his  gloss  De  orig.  Juries  with  such 
another  monkey-like  scene,  which  he  says  did  actually  pass  in  ancient 
Eome,  between  a  certain  Greek  philosopher  and  a  fool,  who  was  set  up 
against  him  by  the  Eomans.  To  all  the  Grecian  mysterious  signs,  the 
fool  returned  very  whimsical  ones,  which,  in  like  manner  as  here  by 
Thaumast,  were  taken  by  the  philosopher  for  so  many  learned  answers 
to  all  his  doubts  and  objections.1' 

13  2  Chron.  i.  7—13. 
16 


396  ON    THE    MASONIC    DUTIES. 

wealth,  and  honour,  and  only  chose  wisdom,  the  better 
to  discharge  the  trust  reposed  in  him.  So,  then,  as  these 
three  human  endowments,  and  pillars  of  our  science, 
appear  to  be  so  laudable,  useful,  and  desirable,  therefore 
let  each  of  us  endeavour,  according  to  the  utmost  of  our 
power,  to  possess  as  much  of  them,  or  of  those  disposi- 
tions which  follow  from,  or  are  indicated  by  them,  as 
possibly  we  can. 

Again,  Freemasonry  deserves  the  highest  applause, 
because  of  its  dignified  principles,  which  are  brotherly 
love,  relief,  and  truth  ;  principles  the  most  noble,  inter- 
esting, and  sublime  of  any  other  in  this  sublunary  state. 
These,  according  to  our  blessed  Lord  and  Saviour's  own 
words,  are  some  of  the  main  foundation  principles  upon 
which  he  established  both  his  gospel  and  his  noble  scheme 
of  Christianity.  "  On  these  two  commandments  (of  the 
love  of  God  arid  of  our  neighbour)  h-mir  all  the  law  and 
the  prophets."  "  What  doth  Jehovah  rcijiiirc  of  thee, 
but  to  do  justly,  to  love  mercy,  and  walk  humbly  with 
thy  God."14  If  these,  and  such  like  principles,  wi-iv 
really  wanting  in  our  science,  it  would  not  be  worth  the 
least  regard  from  the  wise,  the  good,  or  the  virtuous; 
but  since  it  is  really  possessed  of  these,  and  many  of  a 
similar  nature,  it  deserves  to  be  cultivated  with  a  far 
more  ardent  affection,  and  a  far  greater  assiduity,  than 
it  at  present  seems  to  be,  even  by  its  most  zealous  vota- 
ries ;15  and  I  am  sorry  to  have  it  to  say,  that  I  am  fully 
persuaded  it  ought  to  be  looked  upon  in  quite  a  different 
point  of  view,  than  it  seems  to  be  in  our  days,  by  too 
many  of  the  more  remiss,  and  who  yet  go  under  the  hon- 
ourable designation  of  Free  and  Accepted  Masons.  These 

14  Matt.  xxii.  40 :  Micah  vi.  8. 

15  Bro.  Frodsham,  who  presided  over  one  of  the  old  lodges  in  the 
city  of  New  York,  A.  D.  1762,  thus  describes  Freemasonry  : — "  When  I 
consider  the  end  of  Masonry  in  general,  when  I  reflect  upon  the  noble- 
ness of  its  original  design,  when  I  see  it  in  its  infancy  rise  with  the  sun 
in  the  east,  when  I  behold  it  in  its  meridian  glory,  spreading  beams  of 
brightness  around,  then,  when  I  view  it  struggling  through  the  clouds 
of  superstition  and  oppression,  and,  here  in  the  north,  when  I  see  it,  not- 
withstanding the  virulence  of  its  foes,  rising  to  its  primeval  state,  it  im- 
mediately occurs  to  me,  that  the  institution  came  from  heaven  itself,  that 
it  was  ordained  to  stand  against  the  tooth  of  time  ;  and  that  firm  and 
collected  in  its  own  purity  and  integrity,  it  should  for  ever  remain,  that 
in  it  there  should  be  strength,  and  that  God  would  establish  it  so  firmly 
that  the  gates  shall  never  prevail  against  it.'' 


ON    THE    MASONIC    DUTIES.  397 

grand  principles  ought  never  to  depart  from  our  views, 
but  to  be  as  it  were  engraven  on  our  hearts,  and  to  be  as 
so  many  motives  and  incitements  to  our  duty  towards 
our  Maker,  our  neighbour,  and  ourselves  ;  and  I  would 
add,  that  without  we  be  duly  impressed  with  a  sense  of 
these,  we  can  never  discharge  our  duty  as  we  ought. 

Need  I  mention  that  Masonry  is  connected  with  the 
four  cardinal  virtues,  justice,  fortitude,  temperance,  and 
prudence  ;  virtues  which  are  the  immediate  hinges  upon 
which  all  other  virtues  are  said  to  turn,  and  to  which 
every  other  virtue  is  some  way  related. 

Again,  there  is  no  useful  science,  art,  or  mechanism 
with  which  Masonry  is  not  closely  connected.  As  for 
the  seven  liberal  arts  of  grammar,  rhetoric,  logic,  arith- 
metic, geometry,  music,  and  astronomy,  we  know  and 
are  sure  they  all  serve  her  in  their  turn,  and  yield  to  her 
their  mutual  assistance.  Every  sign,  every  token,  every 
word  in  Masonry  are  so  many  different  significant,  com- 
prehensive, and  emphatic  ways  of  a  Fremason's  express- 
ing himself,  which  none  but  those  who  have  served  a 
sufficient  time  to  the  craft,  so  as  to  penetrate  into  these 
truly  otherwise  immense  depths,  can  possibly  understand 
or  rightly  comprehend.16  Likewise  our  emblems  of  the 
square,  level,  plumb,  compasses,  and  other  moral  jewels, 
each  of  which  are  so  many  well-contrived  instruments 
suited  to  such  an  art,  and  so  many  silent  monitors,  teach- 
ing its  moral  and  very  instructive  lessons  to  every  one  who 
has  had  the  honour  to  come  properly  within  a  justly  con- 
stituted Freemasons'  lodge. 

And  now,  my  dear  Brethren,  seeing  Freemasonry  is 
upheld  by  such  dignified  supports,  built  upon  such  noble 
principles,  and  connected  with  so  many  useful,  sublime, 
and  laudable  branches  of  sciences  and  virtues  of  different 
denominations,  comprehending  duties  sacred,  social,  arid 

16  The  use  of  signs  is  carried  to  great  perfection  in  the  East ;  for  not 
only  in  private  and  domestic  concerns,  but  also  in  those  of  public  import- 
ance, on  occasions  of  life  and  death,  inferiors  actually  look  to  the  hands 
of  their  superiors,  and  receive  orders  from  them.  The  Orientals  have  a 
language  by  signs,  and  thus  they  give  silent  order*  to  their  servants,  who 
understand  them  perfectly.  In  the  court  of  the  grand  seignior,  the  attend- 
ants, as  we  are  told  by  Knolles,  understand  anything  that  is  conveyed 
to  them  by  signs  ;  and  will  themselves,  by  the  gesture  of  their  eyes, 
bodies,  hands,  and  feet,  deliver  matters  of  great  difficulty,  to  the  great 
admiration  of  .strangers. 


398  ON    THE    MASONIC    DUTIES. 

civil ;  how  diligent  ought  we  all  to  be,  in  order  every  one 
to  know  his  own  duty,  as  also  how  to  discharge  ir  in  a 
becoming  manner,  each  of  us  in  our  respreiive  stations.1' 
For  since  Freemasonry  is  connected  with  so  many  vari- 
ous arts  and  sciences,  it  therefore  requires  a  great  deal 
of  time  arid  attention,  before  we  can  possibly  discharge 
our  duty  even  in  any  tolerable  degree.  But  though  \\\\< 
may  be  difficult  in  respect  to  any  perfect  measure,  yet 
all  that  is  essentially  necessary  may  be  known,  if  only 
a  tolerable  degree  of  time,  diligence,  and  application  be 
allotted  for  the  attainment  of  what  is  so  very  requisite 
for  us  to  know. 

Let  us,  therefore,  not  sit  down  contented  with  the  bare 
name  of  a  Mason  only,  especially  when  a  little  time  and 
trouble  would  make  us,  in  some  degree,  masters  of  the 
science  ;  but  let  us  devote  ourselves  to  the  study  and  dis- 
charge of  those  duties,  the  performance  whereof  is  so  very 
incumbent  on  us;  let  us  walk  worthy  of  that  profession 
which  we  have  voluntarily  entered  into,  and  are  strictly 
bound  to  the  faithful  discharge  of;  and  let  us  be  so  much 
the  more  punctual  and  constant  in  real  conformity  to  all 
the  duties  inculcated  thereby.  Because  a  contrary  con- 
duct, and  a  negligent  attendance  in  the  lodge,  can  produce 
nothing  but  ignorance,  error,  and  disaffection  ;  and,  in- 
deed, were  these  the  only  ill  consequences  of  a  wilful 
or  indolent  absence,  the  craft  might  not  suffer  much  by 
such  careless  and  lukewarm  Brethren  ;  but  I  am  sorry  to 
say,  this  is  not  all,  the  eye  of  the  censurer  is  ever  upon 
us,  and  the  tongues  of  those  who  hate  us  are  ever  ready 
to  lay  hold  of  the  least  opportunity,  in  order  to  blaze 
abroad  what  may  be  of  the  least  disadvantage  to  our  in- 
stitution ;  and,  hence  also  it  often  happens,  that  Masons 
themselves  afford,  to  such  as  these,  but  too  ample  occa- 
sion to  vent  their  spleen  and  rage  in  this  respect.18 

17  To  do  this  will  equally  promote  the  honour  of  Masonry  and  our  own 
individual  benefit ;  and  to  neglect  it  will  cast  a  reproach  upon  the  most 
ancient  and  best  of  human  institutions. 

18  "Amongst  the  various  societies  of  men,  few,  if  any,  are  wholly  ex- 
empted from  censure.     Friendship,  however  valuable  in  itself,  and  how- 
ever universal  may  be  its  pretensions,  has  seldom  operated  so  powerfully 
in  general  associations  as  to  promote  that  sincere  attachment  to  the  wet- 
fere  and  prosperity  of  each  other,  which  is  necessary  to  constitute  true 
happiness.     This  may  be  ascribed  to  sundry  causes'  but  to  none  with 
more  propriety  than  to  the  reprehensible  motives  which  too  frequently 


ON    THE    MASONIC    DUTIES.  399 

For,  whenever  any  member  of  our  profession  wilfully, 
or  indolently,  deserts  the  body,  what  can  we  expect  from 
the  unenlightened  part  of  the  world,  but  that  the  har- 
mony and  improvement  of  our  society  should  be  egre- 
giously  impeached  ;  notwithstanding  that  we  both  pro- 
fess and  know  that  these  valued  privileges,  an  harmony 
of  sentiment  and  improvement  of  the  mind,  are  the  insep- 
arable companions  of  every  well-regulated  Freemasons' 
lodge,  where  virtue  finds  a  real  pleasure,  and  vice  a  just 
abhorrence. 

Besides  these  several  advantages  of  a  regular  attend- 
ance, I  would  beg  leave  to  mention  one  more,  and  that 
is,  that  the  frequent  assembling  of  men  in  society  has 
the  greatest  tendency  of  begetting  in  each  of  their 
breasts,  besides  a  real  love  for  each  other,  a  kind  of  unity 
of  sentiments ;  the  great  advantage  of  which,  every  one 
in  our  profession  will  readily  apprehend;  for  when  men 
often  assemble  together,  and  speak  their  minds  freely  to 
one  another,  as  Freemasons  are  supposed  to  do,  there 
may  be  an  opportunity  of  regulating  what  may  be  amiss 
in  any  of  our  conducts — and  who  is  there  that  is  with- 
out his  faults?  There  is  an  opportunity  for  the  com- 
fortless and  needy  to  be  relieved  by  the  salutary  councils 
and  beneficent  relief  of  those  in  capacity — there  is  an 
opportunity  for  the  ignorant  to  be  instructed  by  the 
learning  and  prudence  of  those  who  may  be  more  ad- 
vanced— an  opportunity  for  the  wise  to  display  and  use 
his  talents  to  the  best  of  purposes,  viz.,  the  real  improve- 
ment of  his  companions  and  Brethren ;  so  that  all  may 

load  men  to  a  participation  of  social  entertainments.  If  to  pass  an  idle 
hour,  to  oblige  a  friend,  or  probably  to  gratify  an  irregular  indulgence, 
be  the  only  inducement  to  mix  in  company,  is  it  surprising  that  the  im- 
portant duties  of  society  should  be  neglected,  and  that  in  the  quick  circu- 
lation of  the  cheerful  glass,  the  noblest  faculties  should  be  sometimes 
buried  in  the  cup  of  cbriety  ?  But  while  the  laws  of  the  craft  are  pro- 
perly supported,  they  will  be  proof  against  every  attack.  Men  are  not 
aware,  that  by  decrying  any  laudable  institution,  they  derogate  from  the 
dignity  of  human  nature  itself,  and  from  that  good  order,  and  wise  dispo- 
sition of  things,  which  the  Almighty  Author  of  the  world  has  framed  for 
the  government  of  mankind,  and  established  as  the  basis  of  the  moral 
system.  Friendship  and  social  delights  can  never  be  the  object  of  re- 
proach ;  nor  can  that  wisdom,  which  hoary  time  has  sanctioned,  be  a 
subject  for  ridicule.  Whoever  attempts  to  censure  what  he  does  not 
comprehend,  degrades  himself;  and  the  generous  heart  will  pity  the  mis- 
takes of  such  ignorao^  presumption."  (Preston.) 


400  ON    THE    MASONIC    DUTIES. 

mutually  give  and  receive  pleasure,  improvement,  and 
satisfaction,  and  that  grand  principle  of  brotherly  love 
would  immediately  follow.19 

To  the  neglect  of  frequently  assembling  together,  L 
think  it  may  be  fairly  imputed,  that  so  much  dryness  in 
our  outward  deportment,  so  much  distrust  in  our  inward 
conceptions,  so  little  real  regard  for  each  other's  well;. 
prevails  amongst  us.  For  by  what  means  it  has  become 
a  kind  of  first  principle  in  the  human  breast,  I  do  not  at 
present  intend  to  define;  but  this  seems  to  be  the  real 
case,  that  until  one  man  be  some  way  assured  that  an- 
other is  of  the  same  mind  with  himself  in  regard  to 
mutual  acts  of  friendship,  social  duties,  or  relative  obli- 
gations, they  will  one,  if  not  both,  very  likely  be  rather 
backward  in  the  performance ;  but  as  soon  as  they  come 
to  be  possessed  of  something  like  an  union  of  senti- 
ments, then  will  they  mutually  perform  their  respective 
duties,  and  that  with  the  greatest  cheerfulness  and 
alacrity. 

But  all  this  must  spring  from  unity  of  sentiment ;  and, 
therefore,  the  assiduous  cultivation  of  this  great  Christian 
principle  of  brotherly  love  cannot  be  too  strictly  incul- 
cated;  because  the  due  improvement  thereof  would  so 
affect  our  hearts  as  to  cure  all  those  evils  formerly  men- 
tioned, and  change  them  into  virtues ;  would  produce  all 
those  good  effects  which  necessarily  follow  from  well- 

19  «  The  uninformed  world  have  ever  been  divided  in  their  opinions  of 
the  rites  and  origin  of  our  Order.  Philosophers  have  beheld  in  it  an  ano- 
maly in  the  history  of  the  earth.  Without  territorial  possessions,  its 
moral  dominion  is  almost  universal ;  with  no  other  arms  than  those  of 
prudence  and  fortitude,  it  hath  conquered  the  persecutions  of  the  super- 
stitious, and  survived  the  mighty  fall  of  Israel,  the  vast  empires  of  Egypt, 
Babylon,  Assyria,  Media,  Rome,  and  Greece,  where  alternately  it  was 
honoured  by  the  protection  of  kings  and  rulers,  or  exposed  to  the  most 
cruel  hostility.  In  all  the  liberal  states  of  Europe  it  is  publicly  honoured 
and  encouraged ;  monarchs  are  at  its  head,  its  ranks  are  adorned  by  men 
eminent  for  their  station  and  worth — by  names  illustrious  in  the  annals 
of  science,  benevolence,  and  virtue.  In  Italy,  where  formerly  to  have 
been  known  as  a  member  of  the  craft  was  to  have  been  exposed  to  the 
terrors  of  the  stake,  Masonry  exists  with  scarcely  more  than  the  usual 
precautions  of  secresy ;  active  hostility  has  ceased,  the  thunders  of  the 
Vatican  are  silent,  opinion  is  making  a  sure  though  silent  impression  in 
its  favour;  even  these  pages  are  written  in  a  land  where  Castiglione 
perished,  where  so  many  Brothers  have  sealed  their  devotion  to  the  pure 
principles  of  the  Order  in  their  blood."  (Freemasons'  Quarterly  Review, 
1836,  p.  11.) 


ON    THE    MASONIC    DUTIES.  401 

conducted  causes,  and  operate  so  strongly  on  our  consti- 
tutions, as  to  direct  the  very  spring  of  our  actions  to  the 
best  of  events ;  then  should  we  never  be  so  happy  as 
when  assembled  together:  then  one  unity  of  affections, 
sentiment,  and  government,  would  most  firmly  subsist; 
for  whatever  draws  men  into  society,  it  is  only  the  true 
cultivation  of  these  principles  that  can  cement  or  keep 
them  in  it.20 

Now,  my  dear  Brethren,  let  us  endeavour  to  discharge 
the  duties  incumbent  on  us  as  individuals,  and  then  the 
whole  community  will  move  in  concord.  Let  us  be 
swift  to  hear,  slow  to  speak,  and  candid  in  our  whole  de- 
portment. Mankind  are  generally  very  sharp-sighted 
and  eagle-eyed  towards  their  neighbours,  and  can  readily 
detect,  reprehend,  and  find  faults  in  the  conduct  of  their 
brethren ;  whereas  they  have  seldom  time,  courage,  or 
ingenuity  enough  to  look  at  home  ;  where  there  may  be 
just  as  great  faults,  with  regard  to  the  union  and  good 
agreement  of  society,  in  their  own  character,  as  those 
they  look  upon  to  be  of  a  more  egregious  nature.  I  have 
seen  the  sour  look  and  disdainful  mien  of  one  do  more 
prejudice  to  the  true  harmony  of  society,  than  the  drunk- 
en frolics  of  two  or  three.  I  have  also  seen  the  aspir- 
ing airs  and  overbearing  carriage  of  one  have  a  much 
worse  tendency  on  society,  than  the  inadvertent  mis- 
carriages and  undesigned  mistakes  of  several.  Therefore, 
when  we  see  any  of  our  Brethren  overtaken  in  a  fault, 
let  us  judge  of  him  with  the  utmost  caution,  and  always 
be  ready  to  palliate  and  lessen  his  crime ;  if  in  a  passion, 
for  instance,  let  us  bear  with  him,  and  each  seriously  ask 
ourselves,  whether  we  have  not  given  him  some  reason 
for  such  behaviour.  If  overtaken  in  any  fault,  let  us 
never  use  any  rough  measures,  where  lenient  ones  will 
work  the  effect. 

20  St.  Paul  in  like  manner  says  :— "  Keep  the  unity  of  the  spirt  in  the 
bond  of  peace.  There  is  one  body,  one  spirit,  one  hope  of  youricalling, 
one  Lord,  one  faith,  one  baptism."  (Eph.  iv.  5.)  Again,  to  the  Corin- 
thians— '•  I  beseech  you,  brethren,  by  the  name  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  that  ye  all  speak  the  same  thing,  and  that  there  be  no  divisions 
among  you  ;  but  that  ye  be  perfectly  joined  together  in  the  same  mind 
and  in  the  same  judgment."  (1  Cor.  i.  10.)  The  exhortations  to  unity, 
both  by  Christ'  and  his  apostles,  are  always  urged  with  becoming  force 
and  energy.  Hence,  as  one  great  object  of  the  written  revelation  was  to 
promote  unity  amongst  Christians,  it  dishonours  the  Almighty  to  rend 


402  ON    THE    MASONIC    DUTIES. 

What  I  mean  by  all  these  injunctions  is,  that  each  of 
us  may  be  stirred  up  to  act  our  own  parts  as  individuals, 
for  the  good  government  of  the  whole  community,  so 
that  true  harmony  may  flow  of  its  own  accord;  and  in 
order  still  to  effect  this  so  much  the  better,  let  no  provo- 
cation be  amongst  us,  but  each  provoking  our  another  to 
love  and  good  works;  let  no  contention  be  amongst  us, 
but  each  contending  for  the  truth  ;  let  there  be  no  strife 
amongst  us,  but  each  striving  who  can  work  best,  and 
love  one  another  most;  and  hence  will  naturally  spring, 
of  course,  all  those  inestimable  blessings  to  this  society, 
which  I  have  been  inculcating. 

But  suffer  me  here  to  add  one  piece  of  friendly  advice, 
which,  I  am  persuaded,  you  will  find  no  less  advantageous 
for  the  good  government  and  welfare  of  this  society,  than 
some  of  the  foregoing;  and  that  is,  that  all  of  us  be  ex- 
ceeding careful  in  the  admission  of  members;  we  have 
all,  perhaps,  been  hitherto  too  eager  in  this  particular;  I 
would,  therefore,  recommend,  that  in  our  future  choice 
of  a  member,  we  seriously  consider  wlrether  his  conduct 
and  circumstances  in  life  be  such,  as  may  not  have  the 
least  tendency  to  diminish  the  honour  and  credit  of  our 
honourable  society;  nay,  further,  I  would  not  only  have 
every  member  to  be  such,  as  that  he  may,  negatively, 
bring  no  discredit  to  the  society,  but,  positively,  that  he 
be  such  as  may  be  some  way  useful  and  profitable  there- 
to; as  a  good  member  of  society,  an  agreeable  companion, 
and  also  have  an  ordinary  measure  of  knowledge  ;  so  that 
I  think  we  ought  not  only  to  reject  all  who  are  not  of 
good  report  and  sound  morals,  but  likewise  all  those  who 
have  not  a  competent  measure  of  understanding;  re- 
membering that  nothing  contributes  more  to  the  dissolu- 
tion of  any  society,  especially  a  Freemasons'  lodge,  than 
too  great  a  number  of  members  indiscriminately  chosen.21 

any  moral  institution  into  parties,  divisions,  and  factions  ;  or  to  dishonour 
it  by  improper  or  vicious  conduct. 

31  Bro.  Blanc-hard  Powers,  an  aged  American  Brother,  has  some  valu- 
able observations  on  this  subject  in  his  prize  essay,  delivered  in  1842, 
which  are  worth  quoting.  He  says : — ••'  Let  us  remember  the  caution 
which  ought  to  be  used  in  the  admission  of  every  candidate.  Let  it  be 
known  to  the  world,  that  the  character  that  would  become  a  Mason  must 
undergo  the  strictest  scrutiny.  He  must  be  a  man  of  strict  morality ; 
he  must  be  humane,  benevolent,  and  charitable  to  his  fellow-creatures  ;  he 
must  be  no  gambler,  tippler,  or  profane  swearer ;  he  must  be  no  railer 


ON    THE    MASONIC    DUTIES.  403 

It  being  just  as  absurd  to  imagine  that  happiness  is  to 
be  found  in  such  a  numerous  lodge,  as  to  think  that  true 
greatness  consists  in  size  or  dimensions. 

Hence,  then,  that  we  may  be  enabled  to  perform  our 
respective  duties  with  freedom,  fervency,  and  zeal,  let 
us  unanimously  concur  in  cultivating  peace,  harmony, 
and  perfect  friendship,  striving  who  shall  excel  most  in 
brotherly  love,  beneficence,  and  generosity;  and  then 
I  make  not  the  least  doubt  but  that  we  may  be  enabled 
to  conduct  the  business  of  the  lodge,  and  discharge 
the  duties  incumbent  on  each,  with  universal  appro- 
bation. 

Let  us  consider  that  love  is  the  new  and  greatest  com- 
mandment, and  that  all  others  are  comprehended  in  this 
one.  This  is  said  to  be  the  fulfilling  the  whole  law,  and 
of  consequence,  a  necessary  qualification  for  the  celestial 
lodge  above,  where  universal  love  reigns  and  pervades 
through  all  the  members,  arid  where  the  Supreme  Archi- 
tect of  the  Universe  presides  alone,  as  Master  over  all, 
and  whom  the  apostle  John  styles  love  itself.  But 
remember  that  Faith,  Hope,  and  Charity  are  the  three 
principal  graces  by  which  we  must  be  guided  to  those 
celestial  mansions ;  there  to  enjoy  the  greatest  felicity 
with  immortality  dwelling  in  light ;  and  of  these  three, 
charity,  or  universal  love,  is  the  chief,  for  when  faith 
shall  be  swallowed  up  in  vision,  and  hope  in  enjoyment, 
then  will  true  charity,  or  brotherly  love,  shine  with  the 
brightest  lustre  to  all  eternity.  Or,  in  the  words  of  the 
poet — 

"  Shall  stand  before  the  host  of  heaven  confest, 
For  ever  blessing,  and  for  ever  blest." 

Further,  let  us  take  God's  holy  word  for  the  only  guide 
of  our  faith  here,  and  let  justice,  charity,  love,  and  mercy 
be  our  distinguishing  characteristics;  then  may  we  rea- 


against  the  religion  of  Christ,  or  the  professors  thereof;  he  must  be  a 
lover  of  decency  and  order ;  and  he  must  be  strictly  honest,  industrious, 
and  upright  in  all  his  conduct ;  for  such  as  delight  in  the  practice  of  vice 
are  a  disgrace  to  civil  society,  and  are  seldom  reformed  by  the  most  ex- 
cellent instruction.  Such  retain  their  vices  unchangeable,  as  the  skin  of 
the  Ethiopian  or  the  spots  of  the  leopard.  Such,  indeed,  would  never 
apply  for  admission  into  our  benign  institution,  were  they  acquainted 
with  her  solemn  principles,  who  were  not  lovers  of  decency  and  order." 

16* 


404:  ON    THE    MASONlfj    DUTIES. 

sonably  hope,  by  an  humble  dependence  on  divine  grace, 
to  attain  the  celestial  pass-word  for  everlasting  life,  and 
so  gain  admittance  into  the  lodge  of  our  supreme  Grand 
Master  above,  in  whose  blessed  presence  pleasures  will 
most  certainly  flow  for  ever  and  for  evermore. 


LECTURE    XII. 

ON  BROTHERLY  LOVE.  DELIVERED  AT  THE  CONSTITUTION 
OF  THE  HARMONIC  LODGE,  NO.  369,  DUDLEY.  BY  THE 
REV.  JOHN  HODGETS,  A.  M.  1784. 

"  Be  not  ashamed  of  an  insignificant  but  honest  man  out  of  the  Lodge, 
whom  thou  hast  acknowledged  a  short  time  before  as  a  Brother ;  the 
Order  would  then  be  ashamed  of  thee  also,  and  send  thee  back  to  the 
profane  theatre  of  the  world,  there  to  exercise  thy  pride.  Is  thy  Brother 
in  danger  ?  Haste  thou  to  his  assistance,  and  hesitate  not  to  endanger 
thy  own  life  for  him.  Is  he  distressed  ?  Open  thy  purse  to  him,  and 
rejoice  in  having  found  an  opportunity  to  make  so  benign  a  use  of  thy 
gold.  Thy  obligation  compels  thee  to  be  benevolent  to  all  mankind,  but 
in  particular  to  thy  Brother." — FROM  THE  GERMAN. 

IF  we  search  into  the  constitution  of  the  human  mind, 
we  find  that  God  has  planted  within  us  two  kinds  of  pro- 
pensities very  distinct  from  each  other.  One  for  the 
preservation  of  the  individual,  and  the  other  for  the 
union  and  mutual  support  of  the  whole  species.  Of  the 
former  kind  are  self-love,  and  the  sensations  of  hunger, 
thirst,  and  fatigue,  prompting  us  to  refresh  our  beings ; 
and  if  God  had  not  designed  us  for  social  life,  nature  would 
have  stopped  here ;  we  should  riot  have  been  furnished 
with  other  necessary  affections.1  But  as  our  natural 

1  And  nothing  can  afford  a  greater  proof  that  our  ancient  Brethren 
entertained  this  feeling  than  the  establishment  of  our  social  institution. 
No  matter  how  widely  opinions  may  differ  as  to  the  date  of  this  society, 
all  are  agreed  on  its  moral  and  social  tendency.  To  improve  the  good 
properties  of  the  human  mind,  and  to  cultivate  the  liberal  sciences,  were 
the  original  intentions  of  those  who  first  modelled  the  association  into  a 
specific  form.  But  modern  practice  has  far  outstripped  the  primitive 
idea  of  moral  benevolence.  Charity  amongst  the  ancient  philosophers 
bore  a  very  different  signification  to  that  which  is  attached  to  it  amongst 
Christians,  whether  we  understand  it  as  a  temporal  propensity  to  relieve 
the  distressed,  or  as  an  universal  feeling  of  divine  love.  Amongst  the 
former,  charity  was  designated  by  thr°o  naked  figures,  which  were  termed 


406  ON    BROTHERLY    LOVE. 

wants  and  weaknesses  are  such  as  render  the  assistance 
of  our  fellow-creatures  necessary  to  our  well-being,  and 
this  cannot  be  expected  but  from  a  mutual  intercourse 
and  exchange  of  good  offices,  Providence  has  planted 
in  our  hearts  powerful  incitements  to  promote  the  com- 
mon good.  Of  this  kind  are  love,  conjugal,  parental,  and 
filial ;  friendship,  charity,  and  universal  benevolence, 
which  are  all  natural  sensations  conspiring  with  the  pri- 
vate affections  to  improve  the  general  happiness;  for 
without  this  sympathy  of  nature,  men  would  be  greatly 
deficient  in  those  kind  offices  of  charity,  which,  in  the 
vicissitudes  of  human  affairs,  are  reciprocally  wanted.2 
All  access  would  be  denied  to  the  indigent  and  miser- 
able;  they  would  have  no  advocate  to  plead  for  them  ; 
but,  being  wretched,  would  remain  so,  with  this  aggra- 
vation of  misery,  that  there  would  be  no  one  to  com- 
miserate their  unhappy  case.  It  is  the  secret  and  invisible 
tie  of  nature,  which  connects  power  with  subjection, 
wealth  with  poverty,  and  ease  with  affliction  ;  for  it 
strengthen  the  client's  dependance  on  the  patron,  gives 
the  necessitous  an  hold  on  the  benefactor,  and  procures 
the  unhappy  a  friend  in  other  bosoms.  How  kindly  has 

Graces.  They  were  represented  with  joined  hands,  one  turned  from  the 
beholder,  and  the  other  with  their  faces  towards  him,  to  intimate  that 
when  one  act  of  charity  is  done,  thanks  are  twice  due.  The  Charities 
were  represented  naked  because  kindness  ought  to  be  done  in  sincerity 
and  candour  and  without  disguise.  The  joining  of  their  hands  symbol- 
ized that  one  good  turn  deserves  another,  and  there  ought  to  be  a  perpe- 
tual intercourse  of  kindness  and  assistance  amongst  friends.  But  with 
us  masonic  charity  builds  hospitals  and  asylums  for  the  distressed  of  every 
grade ;  endows  schools  for  training  up  destitute  orphans  to  virtue  and 
religion  ;  and  makes  the  widow's  heart  to  sing  for  joy.  These  good  works 
place  Freemasonry  in  a  high  position  amongst  the  philanthropic  institu- 
tions of  the  world  :  which  is  augmented  by  its  tendency  to  produce  an 
universal  Brotherhood,  and  to  promote  the  glory  of  God,  peace  on  earth, 
good  will  towards  man. 

2  A  correspondent  to  the  Sherborne  Journal  (August,  1835.)  thus 
plainly  describes  the  object  of  true  charity  amongst  Masons  :  "  Merit 
and  virtue  in  distress ;  persons  who  are  incapable  of  extricating  them- 
selves from  misfortunes  in  their  journey  through  life ;  industrious  men 
who,  from  inevitable  accidents  and  acts  of  Providence,  have  fallen  into 
ruin ;  widows  left  survivor?  of  their  husbands,  by  whose  labours  they 
subsisted ;  orphans  in  tender  years  left  naked  to  the  world  ;  and  the 
aged,  whose  spirits  are  exhausted,  whose  arms  are  unbraced  by  time,  and 
thereby  rendered  uuable  to  procure  for  themselves  that  sustenance  they 
could  accomplish  in  their  youthful  days.  Thus  is  charity  the  keystone 
of  our  mystical  fabric.  ' 


ON    BROTHERLY    LOVE.  407 

nature  provided  against  urgent  distress,  by  planting  even 
in  the  breast  of  strangers  so  strong  a  compassion,  that 
they  shall  oftentimes  step  into  the  place  of  nearest  rela- 
tions and  friends  !  You  cannot  here  avoid  recollecting 
the  good  Samaritan,  who,  though  an  enemy  to  the  un- 
fortunate Jew  that  had  fallen  into  the  merciless  hands 
of  robbers,  yet  knowing  and  feeling  that  the  impressions 
of  humanity  wrere  not  to  be  effaced  by  differences  of  reli- 
gion, he  has  compassion  on  his  fellow-creature,  binds  up 
his  wounds,  pouring  in  oil  and  wine,  sets  him  on  his  own 
beast,  brings  him  to  an  inn,  and  takes  care  of  him. 

We  are  not,  like  the  Jews,  to  confine  our  affections, 
and  extend  our  liberality  only  to  the  narrow  circle  of  a 
particular  family,  tribe,  or  nation,  and  hate  and  persecute 
the  rest  of  mankind.3  Gro  and  ask  the  great  Saviour  and 
Redeemer  of  the  word,  who  is  your  neighbour  and  brother 
He  will  show  you,  the  relation  of  humanity  entitles  every 
man  to  this  character;  that  the  obligations  of  justice, 
the  duties  of  friendship,  the  offices  of  kindness,  are  not 
to  be  sacrified  to  that  too  selfish  bigotry,  which  is  so  un- 
happily apt  to  whet  men's  passions,  and  alienate  their 
affections  from  one  another.4  His  command  to  love  our 

3  The  above  paragraph  contains  a  very  just  view  of  the  universality  of 
Masonry.     Whatever  be  a  man's  creed,  whatever  his  religion,  if  he  be  an 
object  of  charity,  relieve  him — comfort  him — restore  him  if  you  possibly 
can.     This  was  the  teaching  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  it  is  the  teaching  of 
Freemasonry.    When  the  daughter  of  the  Canaanitess  said  to  the  Redeemer 
of  mankind  :  "  Truth,  Lord,  but  the  dogs  eat  of  the  crumbs  that  fall  from 
their  master's  table,"  he  healed  her  daughter,  though  she  were  of  a  hostile 
and  forbidding  faith.     And  in  like  manner  Masonry  listens  to  the  suppli- 
cations of  a  distressed  Jew  or  Mahometan,  because  they  are  of  the  same 
blood  with  ourselves,  and  descended  from  a  common  parent.     And  no- 
thing can  be  a  greater  evidence  of  the  Christian  application  of  Masonry  ; 
because  no  other  religion  that  ever  existed  taught  the  sublime  doctrines, 
and  practised  the  amiable  precepts  of  universal  charity. 

4  The  blessed  effects  of  Christian  Brotherhood  appeared  most  conspicu- 
ously in  the  first  society  of  Christians,  and  forms  an  example  worthy  of 
masonic  imitation.     They  exhibited  a  total  detachment  from  all  perish- 
able things.     The  earth  became  the  image  of  heaven,  the  plaintive  tone 
of  indigence  was  never  heard  ;  the  felicity  of  every  individual  was  in- 
separable from  the  felicity  of  the  whole;  and  by  this  admirable  concert 
of  parts,  an  august  body  was  formed,  in  which  all  men,  how  unequal  so- 
ever in  rank,  were  rendered  equal  by  their  moderation,  great  by  their 
disinterestedness,  and  happy  by  their  beneficence.     "  It  is  inconceivable," 
says  a  cotemporary  writer,'  "  what  unremitting  diligence  those  Christians 
use  to  succour  one  another,  since  they  have  abandoned  the  true  religion 
to  adore  a  crucified  man.     Their  teachers  have  acquired  the  ivo'iderful 


408  ON    BROTHERLY    LOVE. 

neighbour  is  as  extensive;  as  bis  dominions,  and  reaches 
to  the  poor  heathen,  his  hrrir.iirr,  ami  to  the  utmost 
parts  of  the  earth,  the  boundaries  of  his  possession.  But 
as  the  appetite  may  be  depraved  and  lost  by  intemper- 
ance, so  the  affections  may  !><•  altered,  and  even  extin- 
guished, by  vicious  habits.  A  bad  man  may  divcsr 
himself  even  of  his  nature  ;  and  lie  has  effectually  done 
this  who  is  not  moved  at  another's  misery.  He  is  no 
longer  of  our  species.  He  may  retain  the  outside  form 
and  lineaments  of  a  man,  but  within  he  is  contrary  to 
nature — not  having  an  heart  of  flesh,  but  of  marble,  unsus- 
ceptible of  tender  impressions.5 

But  hitherto  we  have  considered  compassion  as  an  ani- 
mal affection.  This,  under  the  conduct  of  judgment  and 
conscience,  is  a  true  principle  of  action  ;  but  left  entirely 
to  itself,  like  other  passions,  it  may  rather  be  called  a 
weakness  than  a  perfection.  For  how  often  do  we  see 
the  good-natured  misled  by  the  tenderness  of  this  pas- 
sion, to  do  things  which  they  cannot  approve  of;  but 
reason  points  out  the  object,  distinguishes  the  order,  and 
regulates  the  bounds ;  discovers  what  compassion  is  due 
to  our  country,  parents,  friends,  families,  relations,  elect- 
ed Brethren  and  acquaintance,  to  those  who  have  parti- 
cularly obliged  us,  or  been  of  use  and  service  to  us ; 

art  of  persuading  them  that  they  are  all  Brothers,  in  so  much  that  the 
whole  of  their  possessions  are  given  up  for  the  general  welfare." 

6  And  the  world  can  exhibit  no  other  institutions  which  are  distinguish- 
ed by  these  beneficent  principles,  but  Christianity  and  Masonry.  In  the 
earliest  times  the  benevolence  of  Christians  rose  so  far  above  the  level  of 
ordinary  conception,  that  the  pagans  attributed  it  to  some  secret  spell  or 
charm  that  had  the  power  of  inspiring  violent  and  irresistible  attachment, 
A  bitter  enemy  to  Christianity  gives  this  testimony  in  its  favour.  "  No- 
thing," says  he,  "  has  contributed  more  to  the  progress  of  the  Christian 
superstition  than  their  attention  to  the  poor  and  friendless.  Let  us  even 
exceed  them  in  this  way  ;  let  us  immediately  establish  hospitals  and  other 
asylums  for  indigence  and  infirmity  in  every  city ;  for  certainly  it  is  no 
small  ground  of  reproach  that  we  should  be  so  glaringly  deficient  in 
these  things,  whilst  those  impious  Galileans  cherish  and  relieve  not  only 
the  wretched  of  their  own  communion,  but  likewise  of  ours."  Kusebius. 
in  describing  a  plague  that  laid  waste  the  interior  of  Egypt,  has  these 
remarkable  words  : — "  Multitudes  of  our  Brethren,  without  distinction  of 
rank,  were  content  to  sacrifice  their  lives  in  carrying  out  the  great  prin- 
ciple of  brotherly  love.  They  supported  the  loathsome  and  infected 
bodies  of  the  expiring  in  their  arms  ;  and,  after  closing  their  eyes,  carried 
them  on  their  shoulders  to  the  grave,  only  living  to  receive,  perhaps  in 
the  course  of  a  few  minutes,  the  same  prompt,  generous,  and  intrepid  office 
of  mercy  from  others." 


ON    BROTHERLY    LOVE.  409 

shows  what  degree  of  pity  is  due  to  those  who,  by  no 
misconduct  of  their  own,  but  by  some  of  the  unavoidable 
accidents  of  human  life,  are  reduced  to  distress;  con- 
vincing us,  by  experience,  that  we  are  fellow-creatures, 
liable  to  the  same  infirmities,  to  the  same  misfortunes, 
and  to  the  same  wants ;  and  therefore  we  have  all  of  us 
reason  to  exercise  that  compassion  and  tenderness  which 
no  man  knows  but  in  the  course  of  time  he  may  stand  in 
need  of  himself.6 

In  the  next  place,  religion  comes  in  to  the  support  of 
reason,  to  strengthen  the  obligations  of  nature,  by  en- 
forcing what  is  reasonable  itself,  with  the  positive 
injunction  of  a  Superior,  who  has  an  infinite  authority 
over  us  to  command  our  obedience,  for  his  having  cre- 
ated, preserved,  and  redeemed  us.  As  creatures,  he  has 
made  of  one  blood  all  nations  of  men,  for  to  dwell  to- 
gether on  all  the  face  of  the  earth,  and  therefore  com- 
manded us  not  to  hide  ourselves  from  our  own  flesh ;  not 
to  shut  up  our  bowels,  but  to  show  not  merely  justice, 
equality,  and  integrity,  but  mercy  and  compassion  every 
man  to  his  brother.7  As  our  preserver,  he  is  daily  pour- 


6  When  Coustos  was  imprisoned  in  the  Inquisition,  on  the  charge  of 
being  a  Freemason,  in  1743,  after  having  suffered  various  tortures  to  ex- 
tort the  secret  from  him,  he  thus  truly  described  the  design  of  the  Order: — 
"  The  works  of  charity  which  the  fraternity  think  it  incumbent  on  them 
to  exercise  towards  such  as  are  real  objects  of  compassion,  and  whereof  I 
have  given  your  lordship  some  few  instances,  show  that  it  is  morally 
impossible  for  a  society  so  execrable  as  you  have  described  that  of  the 
Freemasons  to  be.  to  practise  a  virtue  so  generally  neglected,  -and  so 
opposite  to  the  love  of  riches,  at  this  time  the  predominant  vice,  the  root 
of  all  evil.     But  Freemasons  yield  implicit  obedience  to  the  laws ;  and 
revere,  in  the  magistrates,  the  sacred  person  of  the  king,  by  whom  they 
were  nominated ;  rooting  up,  to  the  utmost  of  their  power,  every  seed  of 
sedition  and  rebellion  ;  and  are  ready,  at  all  times,  to  venture  their  lives 
for  the  security  of  the  prince  and  his  government.     They  never  quarrel 
with  the  religious  principles  of  any  one ;  but  live  together  in  fraternal 
love,  which  a  difference  of  opinion  can  never  lessen." 

7  These  are  symbolized  in  the  lodge  by  the  moveable  jewels.     It  is  a 
singular  fact  that  the  application  of  these  instruments  of  labour  vary  in 
the  systems  of  England  and  Scotland.    In  England  the  square  is  devoted 
to  the  Master  of  a  lodge,  and  the  compasses  to  the  Grand  Master.     In 
Scotland  the  Brethren  consider  every  Master  of  a  lodge  as  the  represent 
ative  of  King  Solomon,  and  therefore  entitled  to  wear  the  same  emblems 
as  the  Grand  Master.     The  jewels'  vary  according  to  the  wealth  of  the 
lodge,  although   they  generally  consist  of  the  compasses,  square,  rule, 
quadrant,  and  the  sun  and  moon  with  a  stone  in  the  centre  to  denote  the 
eye  or  blazing  star.    Indeed,  the  Brethren  there  look  on  the  square  and 


410  ON    BROTHERLY    LOVE. 

ing  down  his  benefits  upon  us,  and  laying  us  under  in- 
finite obligations;  which  debt  of  gratitude  we  have  no 
clearer  method  of  discharging,  than  by  communicating 
the  like  benefits  to  our  fellow-creatures.  As  our  most 
gracious  Redeemer  has  constituted  a  new  relation  among 
Christians;  made  us  members  of  the  same  spiritual  body, 
parts  of  each  other,  and  inspired  us  with  new  life  and 
affections  in  Christ  Jesus  our  head.  We  have  one  Lord, 
one  faith,  one  baptism,  are  one  body,  and  one  spirit,  and 
have  one  hope  of  our  calling;  and  in  consequence  of  this 
most  intimate  relation,  we  are  commanded  to  suffer  with 
our  fellow- members,  to  weep  with  them  that  weep,  and 
to  put  on  as  the  elect  of  God,  holy  and  beloved,  bowels 
of  mercy  and  compassion,  to  be  faithful,  kind  to  one  an- 
other, and  tender-hearted.  And  these  positive  injunc- 
tions are  supported  by  the  strongest  motives  of  fear  and 
hope;  it  being  declared  on  one  side  that  he  shall  have 
judgment  without  mercy,  who  sheweth  no  mercy  ;  and 
on  the  other  that  the  minutest  act  of  compassion,  even  a 
cup  of  cold  water,  given  to  a  disciple  for  the  sake  of 
Christ,  shall  not  lose  its  reward.  And  finally,  to  shew 
that  our  Lord  requires  herein  nothing  of  us  but  what  he 
practised  himself,  we  frequently  read  of  his  being  moved 
with  compassion  at  the  sight  of  the  multitude  having 
nothing  to  eat,  to  whom  he  gave  food,  lest  they  should 
faint  by  the  way.  On  various  other  occasions  at  the 
sight  of  the  lame,  the  blind,  and  the  sick,  to  whom  he 
gave  limbs,  eyes,  and  health.  Even  at  the  sight  of  the 
complicated  misery  of  Jerusalem,  when  the  measure  of 
her  iniquities  being  filled  up,  and  his  compassion  could 
have  no  other  effect,  is  dissolved  into  tears.  Let  the 
same  mind  then,  my  Brethren,  be  in  you  which  was  in 
Christ  Jesus. 

What  has  been  hitherto  delivered,  is  a  true  description 

compasses  combined  as  the  sine  qua  non  of  the  Master  of  a  lodge.  The 
moral  jewels  are  the  square,  the  level,  and  the  plumb  line.  Perhaps  this 
is  the  cause  why  in  England  the  square  is  given  to  the  Master.  The 
Scotch  Blue  Grand  Lodge,  when  established  in  1736,  instituted  an  officer 
called  Substitute  Master,  which  does  not  occur  in  any  other  country. 
When  first  this  important  office  was  created,  he  was  very  improperly 
invested  with  the  jewel  of  the  Senior  Warden,  while  that  officer  used  the 
square.  But  there  is,  I  believe,  scarcely  one  lodge  in  all  Scotland,  out 
of  Edinburgh,  that  follows  this  system.  They  give,  however,  to  the  two 
deacons,  one  the  square  and  the  other  the  compasses. 


ON    BROTHERLY    LOVE.  411 

of  a  good  man,  or  a  Christian.  Suffer  me,  in  the  next 
place,  to  inform  you,  that  it  is  the  real  basis  on  which 
Freemasonry  is  built.8  To  confute  the  aspersions  of  the 
illiberal  and  ungenerous  on  this  our  royal  art,  is  not  my 
intention  ;  yet  to  descant  a  little  on  our  noble  and  an- 
cient Order  will,  1  hope,  neither  expose  me  to  censure 
nor  displeasure.  If  our  first  parents  had  remained  in  their 
terrestrial  paradise,  they  would  have  had  no  occasion  for 
the  mechanic  arts,  nor  any  of  the  sciences  now  in  use ;  but 
having  lost  their  innocence,  they,  in  that  unhappy  mo- 
ment, lost  their  supernatural  ability  arid  inspired  know- 
ledge. From  that  fatal  eera  we  date  the  necessity  and 
origin  of  the  liberal  arts  and  sciences.  The  royal  art 
was,  beyond  all  doubt,  coeval  with  the  above  sciences, 
and  so  was  carefully  handed  down  by  Methuselah  to  his 
grandson,  Noah  ;  and,  passing  through  the  Druids  to  the 
inhabitants  of  our  island,9  it  has,  and  I  hope  ever  will, 
been  preserved  with  that  veneration  and  esteem  it  justly 
merits,  and  none  but  the  worthies  of  this,  or  ony  other 
nation,  ever  will  be  initiated  in  this  our  royal  art. 

Having  briefly  shown  you  the  antiquity  .of  Masonry,10 

8  On  the  Continent  the  requisites  of  an  aspirant  for  Masonry  are  as 
follow.     He  is  required  to  pass  some  hours  in  solitude,  that  he  may  have 
leisure  to  reflect  on  the  qualities  which  have  been  recommended  to  him 
by  the  W.  M.,  viz.,  on  brotherly  love,  courage,  and  constancy  ;  on  tem- 
perance, fortitude,  prudence,  and  justice.     He  must  also  meditate  on  the 
malign  influence  of  those  evil  passions  which  produce  disorders  in  society, 
that  he  may  learn  how  to  avoid  them,  viz.,  hatred,  jealousy,  avarice,  am- 
bition, &c.     Moreover,  he  is  recommended  to  reflect  on  the  obligations 
of  the  divine  law,  and  to  examine  himself  respecting  the  errors  of  his 
past  life,  that  he  may  not  only  be  able  to  give  an  account  of  them  if 
required  so  to  do,  but  may  also  avoid  them  for  the  future.     He  is  also 
expected  to  practise,  during  his  probation,  certain  prescribed  acts  of 
charity  to  the  poor  and  distressed. 

9  "  In  this  country,  under  the  Druids,"  says  Hutchinson,  "  the  first 
principles  of  our  profession. most  assuredly  were  taught  and  exercised." 
Opposed  to  this  assertion,  we  find  in  the  Freemasons'  Quarterly  Review 
for  1840,  p.  14,  a  clear  argument  to  prove  that  the  true  Freemasonry 
and  the  Druidical  mysteries  were  totally  different  and  distinct  from  each 
other. 

10  The  high  antiquity  of  Freemasonry  has  been  stoutly  denied  by  its 
opponents.      De  Quincy  boldly  affirms,  on  the  authority  of  Professor 
Buhle.  that  "  before  the  beginning  of  the  seventeenth  century,  no  traces 
are  to  be  met  with  of  the  Masonic  Order."  (London  Magazine,  1824,  p.  12.) 
Hammer,  of  Vienna,  however,  has  condescended  to  carry  it  up  as  high  as 
the  crusades ;  which  brought  out  an  anonymous  writer,  who  referred  its 
origin  to  the  building  of  Strasburgh  church  in  the  thirteenth  century. 


412  ON    BROTHERLY    LOVE. 

I  shall,  in  a  few  words,  point  out  its  utility.11  As  all 
societies,  without  due  regulations,  must  necessarily  hasten 
to  ruin,  so  Freemasonry,  unless  accompanied  with  bro- 
therly love,  beneficence,  and  truth,  will  speedily  rush 
into  discredit.  By  brotherly  love  we  are  to  understand 
a  generous  principle  of  the  soul,  which  looks  upon  the 
human  species  as  one  family,  created  by  an  All-\vi.M' 
Being,  and  suffered  to  exist  for  the  mutual  assistance  of 
each  other.  Beneficence  calls  forth  that  generosity  of 
mind  into  action,  and  liberally  alleviates  the  burdens  and 

He  says :— "  I  defy  all  the  Masons  of  England,  France,  Germany,  or 
Scotland — even  those  who  have  attained  to  the  highest  d< •-!•<•, >  in  the 
society — to  prove  that  it  was  contemporary  with  the  Knights  Templars ; 
in  spite  of  Hiram  and  the  temple  of  Solomon  ;  and  in  spite  of  Phaleg 
and  the  tower  of  Bubel.  The  cathedrals  of  Vienna,  Cologne,  and  Lan- 
shut,  were  all  of  them  being  built  at  the  same  time.  I  bi-iicv.-  that  the 
tower  of  Strasburgh  is  a  more  sensible  and  certain  monument  of  the  ori- 
gin of  the  society  than  the  brazen  columns  of  Jachin  and  P.oa/."  While 
a  periodical  journal  published  at  Leipsic  carries  its  origin  back  to  the 
corporation  of  builders  at  Rome,  mentioned  by  Vitruvius  as  •'  Corpora 
Collegia;"  and  advances  that  no  regular  historical  accounts  of  its  origin 
are  to  be  found,  owing  to  the  unsettled  state  of  the  times,  and  the  great 
political  events  with  which  the  earlier  Masons  were  identified.  The  cor- 
poration of  builders  as  Freemasons  are  here  traced  back  to  the  reign  of 
Numa  Pompilius,  who  built  the  temple  of  Janus,  and  divided  the  citizens 
into  classes  and  societies  ;  those  of  the  builders  or  masons  he  termed 
"  Collegia  fabrorum — Collegia  artificum."  So  conflicting  are  the  state- 
ments of  the  opponents  of  Freemasonry. 

11  The  lectures  of  the  several  degrees  give  more  than  one  definition  of 
Masonry,  agreeing  perhaps  in  substance,  but  differing  in  terms.  Thus, 
in  one  instance,  we  find  it  explained  as  "  the  study  of  science  blended  with 
the  practice  of  virtue ;"  in  another  it  is  called  "  a  peculiar  system  of  mo- 
rality, veiled  in  allegory,  and  illustrated  by  symbols  ;"  and  in  a  third  "a 
science  which  includes  all  others  ;  teaching  human  and  divine  knowledge, 
and  the  moral  duties  which  are  incumbent  on  all  Masons,  as  members  of 
civil  society."  One  of  our  ancient  charges  teaches  that  "  though  in  an- 
cient times  Masons  were  charged  in  every  country  to  be  of  the  religion 
of  that  country  or  nation,  whatever  it  was,  yet  it  is  now  thought  more 
expedient  only  to  oblige  them  to  that  religion  in  which  all  men  agree, 
leaving  their  peculiar  opinions  to  themselves."  Another  enjoins  "  that 
we  shall  be  good  men  and  true  to  God  and  the  holy  church,  and  use  no 
error  or  heresy  by  our  understanding  or  by  other  men's  teaching."  While 
an  ancient  document,  printed  in  Preston's  Illustrations,  defines  Masonry 
to  be  "  the  skylle  of  nature,  the  understondynge  of  the  mysrhte  that  ys 
hereynne.  and  its  sondrye  werkynges :  sonderlyche.  the  skyl'le  of  recken- 
ynges,  of  waightes  and  metynges,  and  the  true  manere  of  fagonnynge  al 
thyngea  for  manne's  use;  headlye,  dwellinges,  and  buyldynges  of  alle 
kyndes,  and  all  other  thynges  that  make  gudde  to  maune."  Masonic 
authors,  in  like  manner,  have  varied  the  definition  according  to  their 
respective  views. 


ON    BROTHERLY    LOVE.  413 

miseries  of  the  wretched.12  Truth  is  a  divine  attribute, 
and  the  fountain  of  masonic  virtues.  This  is  an  edifice 
founded  upon  a  rock,  which  malice  cannot  shake,  nor 
time  destroy.13 

What  a  secret  satisfaction  do  we  Freemasons  enjoy, 
when  in  searching  for  truth,  we  find  the  first  principle  of 
useful  science  preserved  among  us,  as  we  received  it  by 
oral  tradition  from  the  earliest  ages ;  and  this  truth  is 
also  confirmed  by  the  testimonies  of  the  best  and  greatest 
men  the  world  has  produced.  But  this  is  not  all,  the 
sacred  writings  confirm  what  I  assert,  the  sublime  part 
of  our  mystery  being  there  to  be  found ;  nor  can  any 
Christian  Brother  (let  me  speak  it  distinctly)  be  a  good 

12  The  most  ancient  charges  and  constitutions  make  Brotherly  Love  an 
indispensable  duty  in  the  craft.    I  subjoin  a  specimen  of  these  injunctions 
form  the  ancient  MS.  published  by  Halliwell  : 

At  thys  sembte  were  poyntes  y-ordynt  mo, 

Of  grete  lordys  and  maystrys  also, 

That  whose  wol  conne  thys  craft  and  com  to  astate. 

He  must  love  wel  God,  and  holy  churche  algate, 

And  his  mays'ter  also  that  he  ys  wyth, 

Wheresever  he  go,  yn  fyld  or  fryth ; 

And  thy  felows  thou  love  also, 

For  that  thy  craft  wol  that  thou  do. 

13  If  the  enquiry  be  pressed,  "  why  has  Masonry  remained  unmoved 
amid  the  convulsions  which  have  agitated  the  political  world  ?"  I  answer — 
all  other  institutions  of  human  origin  have  trusted  themselves  to  their 
own  supposed  excellence,  or  to  their  inherent  value,  being  based  alone 
upon  the  wisdom  of  man.     Not  so  with  Masonry.     Conscious  of  man's 
impotency,  and  of  the  mutability  of  everything  beneath  the  sun,  Ma- 
sonry has  been  based  upon  revelation,  and  places  her  trust  on  God. 
With  heartfelt  regret  we  are  constrained  to  acknowledge,  that  there  is 
too  much  recklessness  in  the  deportment  of  some  of  her  votaries.     All 
her  leading  doctrines,  however,  are  drawn  from  the  Bible,  which  contains 
the  only  and  sufficient  rule,  both  of  our  faith  and  practice.    As  the  inesti- 
mable gift  of  God  to  man,  it  is  an  all-important  article  in  the  furniture 
of  every  lodge.     In  that  blessed  volume  only  are  we  taught  the  relation 
we  sustain  to  God.     And  Masonry,  by  her  emblems,  seeks  constantly  to 
illustrate  and  enforce  its  cheering  truths,  calling  to  her  aid  the  collateral 
sciences.     She  tells  man  of  his  exalted  origin,  his  present  degraded  and 
helpless  condition,  his  ignorance,  blindness,  and  bondage.     She  points 
out  to  him  his  high  and  immortal  destination,  and  bids  him  ask,  with  the 
assurance  that  he  shall  receive.     She  regards  sense,  reason,  and  faith  as 
progressive  steps,  by  which  the  mind  ascends  to  God.     Appealing  to  his 
senses,  she  tells  him  that  the  great  I  AM  is  everywhere  present ;  teat  the 
manifestations  of  his  power  are  everywhere  seen  ;  that  the  light  which 
shines  upon  his  path  at  noonday,  is  an  emblem  of  the  divine  purity  ;  at 
the  same  time  bidding  him  to  walk  in  the  light  as  he  is  in  the  light. 
(Slightly  altered  from  an  oration  by  the  Rev.  Bro.  E.  V.  Levert,  delivered 
before  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Alabama,  1843.) 


414  ON    BROTHERLY    LOVE. 

Mason,  that  does  not  make  the  word  of  God  his  first  and 
principal  study. 

To  conclude  :  Masonry  is  the  daughter  of  heaven  ;  the 
patroness  of  the  liberal  arts  and  sciences,  which  polish 
and  adorn  human  nature  ;  thankful  ought  they  to  be  who 
have  it  in  their  power  to  embrace  her,  and  happy  arc  they 
who  do.  She  teaches  the  way  to  content,  with  fervency 
and  zeal  unfeigned;  as  sure  of  being  unchangeable,  as  of 
ending  in  felicity.  Invested  as  we  are  witli  that  ancient 
and  noble  badge,  which  yields  preference  to  no  honour,  or 
order  in  the  universe,14  let  us  determine  to  abhor  every 
act  that  may  lessen  the  dignity  of  a  profession,  which  to 
this  hour  is  the  glory  of  the  greatest  men  on  the  face  of 
the  globe.  Let  us  conform  our  whole  lives  to  that  great 
light,  the  law  of  God ;  and  let  our  actions  convince  the 
world,  that  truth,  brotherly-love,  and  a  desire  to  afford 
relief  to  the  distressed,  are  the  grand  principles  on  which 
we  proceed.  So  that  this  life  having  passed  in  the  dis- 

14  Johnson  defines  a  badge  as  "  a  mark  or  cognizance  worn  to  show  the 
relation  of  the  wearer  to  any  person  or  thing."  The  badge  of  a  Mason  is 
his  apron — an  emblem  of  innocence  and  purity.  It  was  originally  a  skin 
of  plain  white  leather.  In  1730  it  was  regulated  in  grand  lodge,  that 
the  grand  officers  should  wear  "  white  leather  aprons  with  blue  silk  ;  and 
that  the  Masters  and  Wardens  of  particular  lodges  may  line  their  white 
leather  aprons  with  white  silk,  and  may  hang  their  jewels  at  white  ribbons 
about  their  necks."  At  present  a  Master  Mason  wears  a  lamb-skin  apron 
with  sky-blue  lining  and  edging,  one  inch  and  a  half  deep,  with  a  rosette 
on  the  fall  or  flap.  No  other  colour  or  ornament  is  allowed,  except  to 
officers  or  past  officers  of  lodges,  who  may  have  the  emblems  of  their  offices 
in  silver  or  white,  in  the  centre  of  the  apron.  The  Masters  and  Past 
Masters  of  lodges  wear,  in  lieu  of,  and  in  the  places  of  the  three  rosettes 
on  the  Master  Mason's  apron,  perpendicular  lines  upon  horizontal  lines, 
thereby  forming  three  several  sets  of  two  right  angles,  to  be  made  of  rib- 
bon of  the  same  colour  as  the  edging  of  the  apron.  The  Grand  Stewards' 
aprons  are  distinguished  by  crimson  and  silver,  and  other  grand  and  pro- 
vincial grand  officers  by  purple  and  gold.  In  the  spurious  Freemasonry, 
each  nation  had  its  peculiar  badge  of  initiation.  In  the  mysteries  of 
Bacchus,  it  was  a  sprig  of  ivy ;  in  those  of  Ceres,  an  ear  of  corn.  Heno 
the  antiquity  of  badges.  In  more  modern  times  heraldic  badges  were 
placed  on  the  banners,  shields,  and  on  the  breast  and  shoulder  of  private 
soldiers,  servants,  and  attendants.  They  began  to  be  used  about  the  reign 
of  Edward  I.  The  badge  was  placed  on  a  wreath  as  an  honorary  distinc- 
tion about  the  time  of  Henry  V. ;  and  no  one  was  allowed  to  use  this 
symbol  under  the  degree  of  a  knight.  It  sometimes  consists  of  a  coil  of 
rope,  or  cable  tow,  twisted  into  some  peculiar  form  called  a  knot ;  as  the 
Stafford  knot,  Dacre's  knot,  Wake's  knot,  Harrington's  knot,  Boucher's 
knot,  &c.  The  badge  was  used  in  the  stately  liveries  of  our  old  English 
gentlemen. 


ON    BROTHERLY    LOVE.  415 

charge  of  our  duty  as  men  and  Freemasons,  we  may  at 
length,  with  all  mankind,  be  received  into  the  presence 
of  our  Supreme  Grand  Master,  and  rejoice  in  hearing  him 
say,  "  Well  done,  good  and  faithful  servants,  enter  ye 
into  the  joy  of  your  Lord." 


LECTURE    XIII. 

ON     THE    VALUE     OF    MASONIC     SECRETS.        BY    THE     REV 
DANIEL    TURNER,    WOOLWICH.       1787. 

"Toheare  discourses,  and  not  to  meditate  thereon,  is  to  receive  water 
into  a  sieve ;  to  be  an  uncleane  creature  that  chowes  not  the  cudde ;  to 
receive  the  seed  upon  the  highway  side,  where  it  being  unharrowed  and 
uncovered  is,  by  the  fowles  of  the  ayre,  that  fowle  spirit  that  raignes  in 
the  ayre,  and  in  the  unsettled  arts  of  aery  and  windy  braines,  to  be 
devoured.  The  larape  of  true  morality  will  not  flame  forth  and  burne  in 
holy  fervency,  if  it  be  not  fedde  with  the  oyle  of  saving  knowledge,  being 
pressed  forth  more  copiously  by  the  ventilation  of  errours  and  dissipation 
of  mystes,  which  would  dampe  and  extinguish  all." — HKNKY  Hi 

A  PANEGYRIC  adequate  to  the  honours  of,  and  various 
benefits  flowing  from  the  Craft,  is  no  easy  task.1  It  hav- 
ing, however,  been  so  often  attempted,  by  men  of  the  first 
erudition,  shall  apologize  for  my  saying  little  on  that 
point;  while  I  endeavour  sincerely,  though  humbly,  to 
serve  the  science,  by  exposing  the  absurdity  and  weak- 
ness of  the  objections  usually  brought  against  it. 

1  One  of  the  best  panegyrics  on  Masonry  was  pronounced  by  Baron 
Bielfield,  secretary  of  legation  to  the  late  King  of  Prussia,  when  writing 
to  a  lady  of  his  acquaintance,  who  was  angry  with  him  for  having  become 
a  Mason.  He  said  : — "  You  will  not  require,  I  am  persuaded,  that  I  should 
explain  to  you  our  mysteries  ;  you  are  much  too  prudent.  You  would 
entertain  a  passion  for  a  man  of  honour,  and  not  for  a  traitor  or  a  mon- 
ster. It  is  my  interest  to  convince  you  of  my  discretion,  and  to  make 
you  sensible  that  a  man  who  can  keep  a  secret  from  the  woman  he  adores, 
ought  to  be  esteemed  by  her  as  worthy  to  have  other  secrets  to  keep. 
You  must,  therefore,  commend  my  discretion,  and  nourish  my  virtue.  I 
shall  not,  at  the  same  time,  keep  from  you  any  information  concerning  our 
society  that  it  is  in  my  power  to  give ;  but  for  its  mysteries,  they  are 
sacred.  One  reflection  that  dissipated  my  scruples,  and  hastened  my 
reception  was,  that  I  knew  this  Order  to  be  composed  of  a  great  number 
of  very  worthy  men — men  who,  1  teas,  sure  would  never  have  twice  entered 
a  Lodge,  if  anythinghad  parsed  there  that  was  in  the  least  incompatible  with 
a  character  of  the  strictest  virtue.'' 


ON    THE    VALUE    OF    MASONIC    SECRETS.  417 

Masonry  I  affirm  to  be  a  mystic  science,  wherein,  under 
apt  figures,  select  numbers,  and  choice  emblems,  solemn 
and  important  truths,  naturally  tending  to  improve  the 
understanding,  to  mend  the  heart,  and  to  bind  us  more 
closely  to  one  another,  are  more  expressly  contained.2  In 
proportion  as  the  wise,  the  learned,  and  the  good  have 
studied  it,  they  have  loved  it.  But,  like  all  other  virtuous 
characters,  or  things,  it  hath  met  with  persecution.  Its 
enemies  have  been  many;  nor  have  its  friends  been  few 
Mature  reflection  on  the  characters  of  its  adversaries,  in 
a  great  measure,  destroys  all  they  say;  for,  in  the  first 
place,  no  truly  sensible  man  will  ever  speak  against  what 
he  doth  not  understand.3  There  are  some  bigots  in  their 
opinions  against  it.  It  is,  cry  they,  a  bad  thing — an  un- 
lawful thing — a  sinful  thing. — Why  ?  Because  we  detest 
it,  and  abhor  it.  To  pity  such,  is  no  mean  part  of 
Christian  love ;  since,  I  am  persuaded,  that  even  in  good 
hearts,  the  first  emotions  respecting  them  were  those  of 
scorn  and  contempt.  Of  what  use  is  it  to  reason  with 
bigots,  whether  in  religion,  morals,  or  politics  ?4 

2  This  was  a  most  ancient  method  of  symbolizing,  or  expressing  one 
thing  by  means  of  another.      Thus  the  Lord  gave  to  Noah  the  rainbow 
as  a  sign  of  his  covenant  (Gen.  ix.  12,  13);  and  for  the  same  purpose  he 
appointed  circumcision  to  Abraham  (Gen.  xvii.  11).     In  a  word,  action, 
as  a  system  of  indication,  was  familiar  in  the  time  of  the  patriarchs 
and  prophets,  as  a  method  of  communicating  ideas.      When  Isaiah  says, 
he  and  his  children  are  for  signs ;  when  Jeremiah  found  his  girdle  marred, 
as  a  sign;  when  Ezekiel  was  a  sign  to  the  people,  in  not  mourning  for 
the  dead  ;  in  his  removing  into  captivity  ;  in  digging  through  a  wall,  &c. ; 
these  and  similar  actions  were  not  only  well  understood,  but  they  had  the 
advantage  of  being  in  ordinary  use  among  the  people  to  whom  they  were 
addressed.  (See  Taylor's  Calmet,  in  v.  Eye.) 

3  And  yet  how  very  common  it  is  to  hear  men  eloquent  in  proof  of  a 
fallacy,  knowing  at  the  same  time  that  everything  they  say  is  untrue. 
The  withering  rebuke  of  Bishop  Watson  to  the  author  of  the  Age  of 
Reason  may  well  apply  to  such  men  : — "  Prove  this,  and  I  will  allow  that 
Moses  was  the  horrid  monster  you  make  him  ;  prove  this,  and  I  will  allow 
that  the  Bible  is  what  you  call  it — a  book  of  lies,  wickedness  and  blas- 
phemy ;  prove  this,  or  excuse  my  warmth  if  I  say  to  you,  as  Paul  said 
to  Elymas  the  sorcerer,  who  sought  to  turn  away  Surgius  Paulus  from 
the  faith,  '  O  full  of  all  subtlety,  and  all  mischief,  thou  child  of  the  devil, 
thou  enemy  of  all  righteousness,  wilt  thou  not  cease  to  pervert  the  right 
ways  of  the  Lord  ?'  " 

4  It  will  scarcely  be  believed  that  any  bigotry  could  be  so  blind  and 
savage  in  the  nineteenth  century  of  Christianity,  as  to  denounce  Free- 
masonry as  a  bloody  and  blasphemous  institution.     And  yet  a  man,  call- 
ing himself  Major  Allyn,  did  actually,  a  few  years  ago,  publish  a  book  in 
America,  where,  amongst  a  vast  deal  of  impious  verbiage,  he  cries  out— 


418  ON    THE    VALUE    OF    MASONIC    SKCRETS. 

There  are  some  who  speak  against  it  more  from  the 
vanity  of  saying  somewhat  on  the  point,  than  that  they 
can  urge  a  single  rational  objection.  If  it  be  good,  say 
they,  why  not  tell  it?  But  we  apprehend,  continue 
these  wise-acres,  there  is  nothing  in  it.  As  for  words, 
signs,  tokens — all  stuff — depend  upon  it,  there  ,-ire  no 
such  things.  Now,  what  genuine  son  of  Freemasonry 
would  hold  converse  with  such  people?  Let  them  prat- 
tle on  ;  if  it  pleases  any  who  hear,  they  must  be  as  weak 
as  themselves,  and  it  can  never  injure  you.5 

The  weightiest  objection  is  yet  to  come,  nor  will  I 
flinch  from  it.  Many  thinking,  serious,  and  judicious 
persons,  argue  thus  :  "  The  reason  why  we  are  enemies 
to  Masonry  is,  the  effects  which,  from  close  observation, 
\ve  have  repeatedly  traced.  We  have  seen  those  who 
call  themselves  warm,  zealous  Masons,  most  regular  in 
their  attendance  on  the  Lodge — ready  to  go  any  lengths, 
both  as  to  distance  of  place,  loss  of  time,  and  expenses, 
in  pursuit  of  Masonry,  who  never  appeared  at  church, 
and  frequently  left  their  families  without  bread.  Others 
we  have  remarked,  apparently  brimful  of  Masonry,  and 
vastly  fond  of  each  Brother,  doubtless,  in  the  Lodge, 
according  to  their  principles,  who  yet  would  cheat,  de- 
ceive, and  supplant  those  very  Brethren  in  trade,  and  the 

"  Its  bloody  picture  exhibits  a  combination  of  principles  the  most  invete- 
rate to  free  inquiry  and  individual  rights  that  ever  stained  the  annals  of 
infamy.  You  may  search  the  blackened  calendar  of  the  holy  vehme,  or 
invoke  the  k nightly  conclaves  of  the  secret  tribunals  of  Germany,  where 
torture  yells  and  grinds  her  bloody  teeth  ;  but  your  exertions  would  be 
vain,  you  could  not  find  a  case  to  match  this  master-piece.  The  Holy 
Inquisition,  that  harbinger  of  hell's  most  malign  attribute,  vengeance, 
alone  may  strive  for  the  mastery — the  struggle,  how  desperate  ! !  "  Poor 
man — poor  man — an  asylum  for  the  insane  is  the  only  safe  retreat  for 
such  a  man  as  this. 

6  These  frivolous  evasions  every  Mason  has  beard,  and  answered  in  his 
turn.  I  admit,  with  a  writer  of  the  last  century — %i  That  a  man  may  be 
very  honest  and  very  happy  without  being  a  Freemason  ;  but  this  argu- 
ment is  equally  applicable  to  every  object  that  excites  our  curiosity,  and 
even  to  many  of  the  most  pleasant  parts  of  learning.  If  we  banish  curi- 
osity (the  desire  of  increasing  our  knowledge)  from  the  world,  there  is 
at  once  an  end  of  all  improvement  in  science  ;  the  most  ingenious,  the 
most  pleasing  inventions  and  discoveries  would  be  lost  in  darkness.  And 
who  can  say  how  far  the  knowledge  of  those  objects,  of  whose  essence, 
whose  principles  we  are  absolutely  ignorant,  may  lead  us  ?  That  which 
at  first  appears  frivolous,  frequently  becomes,  in  the  hands  of  a  skilful 
man,  highly  useful." 


ON    THE    VALUE    OF    MASONIC    SECRETS.  419 

ordinary  transactions  of  society.  They  would  defame 
them ;  and,  were  it  practicable,  we  have  beheld  them 
attempting  to  take,  as  it  were,  the  very  bread  out  of 
their  mouths.  Instead  of  being  friends  to  mankind,  or 
one  another,  they  are  like  wolves,  preying  with  ferocity 
on  whatever  comes  in  their  way." 

In  the  first  place,  the  abuse  of  a  thing  is  no  valid  ob- 
jection to  its  inherent  goodness.  How  many  call  them- 
selves Christians  who  are  a  disgrace  to  it,  yet  ultimately 
hurt  not  the  gospel,  but  themselves?6  Besides,  a  man's 
worth  is  not  to  be  rated  from  his  own  exaggerated 
account  of  the  matter,  but  from  what  he  actually, 
uniformly,  and  absolutely  is.  The  Apostle  hath  told  us, 
that  whosoever  provideth  not  for  his  own,  is  an  infidel ; 
therefore,  we  conclude  that  no  good  Mason  will  ever  be 
deficient  in  the  due  performance  of  all  moral  and  relative 
duties.  If  a  man  is  negligent  in  religious  points,  depend 
on  it,  he  is  good  for  little  in  the  Lodge.7 

As  to  the  second  part  of  the  objection,  viz.,  that  they 
will  backbite  and  injure  one  another,  it  is  too  true.  But 
what  does  it  prove  ?  simply  this — that  in  the  best  insti- 
tutions upon  earth,  worthless  characters  may  occasionally 
be  found.8  In  the  holy  family  itself,  consisting  but  of 

6  How  pure  and  unspotted  soever  the  outline  of  a  society  may  be,  evil 
passions  will  occasionally  intrude  to  deform  the  goodly  fabric.     There  is 
an  institution  that  promises  to  reward  its  members,  if  they  be  virtuous, 
with  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory.     Even  this  institution,  though 
established  by  purity  itself,  has  many  unworthy  members.    Are  not  some 
Christians  addicted  to  intemperance — others,  dishonest  in  their  dealings 
with  their  fellow-creatures — some,  uncharitable,  malicious,  revengeful, 
filled  with  hypocrisy,  deceit,  and  fraud — some,  disobedient  to  parents, 
Sabbath-breakers,    blasphemers,    uncharitable — and    others,  guilty  of 
crimes  still  more  enormous  and  detestable  ?    But  can  all  these  failings 
be  attributed  to  the  imperfection  of  the  society  into  which  they  have 
been  admitted  by  the  common  ceremony  of  baptism  ?    Is  Christianity  to 
blame  for  the  defection  of  some  unworthy  members  ?    We  answer,  with- 
out hesitation,  certainly  not. 

7  No  system  can  be  justly  condemned  for  the  misconduct  of  individuals  ; 
nor  can  their  evil  practices  cast  any  censure  upon  the  institution  into 
which  they  may  have  been  qualified  to  establish  a  claim  of  fraternity. 
Freemasonry  has  a  clear  and  legitimate  title  to  the  benefit  of  this  reason- 
ing.    It  includes  a  multitude  of  men  of  every  rank,  and  every  shade  of 
moral  and  political  feeling.     And  it  would  be  highly  favoured,  indeed, 
if  amongst  such  a  diversity  of  members,  there  were  none  who  were  devoid 
of  a  sound  and  healthy  tone  of  mind.    Judah  had  her  false  prophets  ;  and 
a  Judas  existed  among  the  holy  Apostles  of  Christ. 

8  The  remedy  for  this  appears  to  be  easy,  although,  perhaps,  its  practi- 

17 


420  ON    THE    VALUE    OF    MASONIC    SECRETS. 

twelve,  one  was  a  devil.  Did  that  hurt  the  integrity  of 
the  eleven  ?  far  from  it.  Why  lay  the  faults  of  a  few  at 
the  door  of  large,  respectable  bodies  of  men,  who,  by 
assiduously  working  at  the  Craft,  have  done  honour  to 
human  nature?  Where  the  heart  is  bad,  what  can  you 
expect  from  the  tongue'/9  After  all,  is  it  mon*  than 
what  happens  in  the  most  solemn  duties  of  religion  > 
Have  there  not  been  wretches  who  could  go  to  the  tabl»» 
of  the  Lord,  and  the  very  next  day  traduce  the  moral 
character  of  the  minister  from  whose  hands  they  received 
the  holy  sacrament?  And  if  that  was  not  making  it  to 
themselves  the  cup  of  devils,  I  know  not  what  the  Apos- 
tle meant,  when  he  made  use  of  those  terms. 

Why  need  I  multiply  words  to  confirm  it?  Built  on, 
and  drawn  from  revelation,  must  it  not  be  of  divine 
original?  Adorned  by  the  beneficent  actions  and 
amiable-  virtues  of  thousands,  the  first  in  point  of  rank 
knowledge,  and  moral  excellence,  of  every  language,  in 
every  age,  and  in  every  clime,  must  it  not  possess  an 
inherent  worth  ?JO  Thou  heaven-descended  beam  of  light, 

cal  application  may  be  difficult.  No  Lodge  ought  to  admit  any  one  as 
a  candidate  for  initiation,  if  he  be  not  well  known  to  be  virtuous  and 
good ;  for  the  Brethren  will  certainly  betray  a  most  sacred  trust,  it'  any 
person  who  is  deficient  in  the  performance  of  those  duties  which  the  con- 
ventional usages  of  society  require,  in  the  character  of  parent  or  child, 
friend  or  neighbour,  magistrate  or  subject,  be  knowingly  introduced  into 
the  Lodge.  The  proposition  of  every  candidate  comes  deliberately  from 
some  member ;  and  it  is  a  personal  disgrace  to  himself,  as  well  as  an 
injury  to  the  Order,  if  he  recommends  an  improper  person.  The  admis- 
sion is  afterwards  submitted  to  the  vote  of  the  whole  society,  and  no  one 
ought  to  give  his  consent  to  an  improper  candidate ;  because  it  would  be 
little  better  than  an  act  of  treachery  and  unfaithfulness  to  the  community 
at  large ;  and  the  consequences  would  be  dangerous  to  the  institution, 
and  stamp  it  with  a  certain  degradation  in  the  opinion  of  mankind. 

9  St.  James  shall  answer  the  question — "  The  tongue  is  a  little  member, 
and  boasteth  great  things.      Behold  how  great  a  matter  a  little  fire 
kindleth.     And  the  tongue  is  a  fire,  a  world  of  iniquity ;  so  is  the  tongue 
amongst  our  members,  that  it  defileth  the  whole  body,  and  setteth  on  fire 
the  course  of  nature  ;  and  it  is  set  on  fire  of  hell.    For  every  kind  of  beasts 
and  birds,  and  serpents,  and  things  in  the  sea,  is  tamed,  and  hath  been 
tamed  of  mankind;  but  the  tongue  can  no  man  tame;  it  is  an  unruly 
evil,  full  of  deadly  poison."  (James  iii.  5 — 8.) 

10  The  Masonic  system  exhibits  a  stupendous  and  beautiful  fabric, 
rounded  on  universal  piety,  unfolding  its  gates  to  receive,  without  preju- 
dice or  discrimination,  the  worthy  professors  of  every  description  of 
genuine  religion  ;  concentrating,  as  it  were,  in  one  body,  the  just  tenets, 
uniucumbered  by  the  disputable  peculiarities,  of  all  sects  and  persuasions. 


ON  THE  VALUE  OF  MASONIC  SECRETS.      421 

beauty,  and  perfection  !  how  oft  hast  thou  been  the  means 
of  saving  life  and  property  ;  reconciled  the  most  jarring 
interests,  and  converted  fiercest  foes  to  dearest  friends! 
On,  on  then,  my  dear  Brethren,  pursue  the  great  lecture 
with  alacrity  and  firmness,  each  moving  on  the  square  of 
truth,  by  the  compass  of  God's  word,  according  to  your 
respective  stations,  in  all  the  rules  of  symmetry,  order, 
and  proportion.11  Nor  dread  when  your  earthly  Lodge 
shall  be  dissolved;  your  jewels  will  still  be  safe,  and  you 
shall  be  admitted  into  a  more  glorious  Lodge,  even  an 
house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens; 
where  angels  and  saints  shall  be  your  fellowcrafts  and 
companions  ;  and  the  Supreme  Architect  of  the  Universe 
your  ineffably  great  and  glorious  Grand  Master — your 
light — your  life — your  joy — your  alU 

Need  I  tell  you  the  honours  of  Masonry  are  as  illus- 
trious as  they  are  ancient?  You  know  it,  and  firmly 
believe  it.  Still  do  you  not  agree  with  me,  they  shine 
the  brightest  when  they  are  grounded  on  real  piety? 
In  all  sciences  there  have  been  pretenders,  and  perhaps 
of  most  secrets  in  the  arts  there  have  been  counterfeits : 
yet,  this  neither  tarnishes  the  beauty,  nor  weakens  this 
tenet  of  our  craft,  that  Masonry  and  brotherly  love 
ought  to  go  hand  in  hand.  Diligently  search  the  scrip- 
tures for  the  secrets  of  your  art ;  and  while  you  toil  to 
pry  into  the  covenant,  the  signs,  and  tokens,  that  sub- 
sisted and  were  communicated  between  the  kings  of 
Judah  and  of  Tyre,  O  may  the  spirit  of  the  widow's  son 
be  in  you !  filling  you  with  a  knowledge  of  the  points 
on  which  all  the  above  turned,  even  wisdom  to  design, 
strength  to  execute,  and  the  beauties  of  holiness  to 

and  storing  up  the  most  approved  schemes  of  ethics  adopted  by  the  differ- 
ent nations  of  the  world,  where  civilization  has  impressed  her  footsteps, 
(Masonic  Miscellanies,  No.  2.) 

11  In  the  lectures  used  by  the  ancient  or  Athol  Masons  in  the  last  cen- 
tury, I  find  this  illustration  of  virtue  : — "  Virtue  is  the  highest  exercise 
of  the  mind  ;  the  integrity,  harmony,  and  just  balance  of  affection  ;  the 
health,  strength,  and  beauty  of  the  soul  The  perfection  of  virtue  is  to 
give  reason  its  full  scope :  to  obey  the  authority  of  conscience  with 
alacrity;  to  exercise  the  defensive  passions  with  fortitude;  the  public 
with  justice,  and  the  private  with  temperance  ;  i.  e.  in  due  proportion  to 
each  other.  To  love  God  with  disinterested  affection,  and  to  acquiesce 
in  his  kind  providence  with  calm  resignation,  is  the  surest  step  towards 
the  test  of  virtue,  and  an  approach  to  perfection  and  happiness ;  while  a 
deviation  therefrom  is  sure  to  produce  vice  and  misery. 


ON    THE    VALUE    OF    MASONIC    SECRETS. 

adorn.12  Remember  that  the  same  pages  contain  an 
inestimable  pearl  of  great  price,  and  that  those  individu- 
als are  the  only  wise  and  good  who  make  that  pearl 
their  own.  Numberless  are  the  encouragements  to  do 
this.  Ask,  and  ye  shall  receive  ;  seek,  and  ye  shall  find  ; 
knock,  and  it  shall  be  opened  to  you.  In  that  case  you 
lay  hold  on  the  right  pillar  in  the  temple,  both  of  solid 
fame  and  spiritual  wealth,  whereby  you  shall  be  esta- 
blished ;  and  then  you  may  safely  rest  upon  the  left,  a 
still  higher  column  in  your  scientific  line,  since  in  that 
you  will  find  strength.  Another  motive  to  this  flows 
from  the  examples  before  you.  In  the  various  periods 
of  society,  the  greatest — the  most  learned — and  the  very 
best  of  characters,  have  belonged  to  your  fraternity.13 

12  This  paragraph  contains  a  reference  to  the  great  symbol  of  Masonry, 
the  building  of  Solomon's  temple  ;  which  was  effected  by  the  architec- 
tural talent  of  the  widow's  son,  under  the  exalted  patronage  of  the  kings 
of  Israel  and  Tyre.     The  latter  had  been  the  friend  and  ally  of  David. 
and  he  now  offered  his  assistance  to  Solomon  in  furtherance  of  this  great 
and  noble  undertaking.     The  forest  of  cedars  on  the  mountains  of  Leba- 
non could  only  supply  timber  for  the  work,  and  they  were  in  possession 
of  the  Tyrians.     Hiram  therefore  employed  a  great  number  of  his  sub- 
jects to  cut  down  the  trees  and  saw  them  into  planks  ;  which  being  done, 
they  brought  the  timber  to  the  sea-side  and  passed  it  in  floats  to  Joppa  ; 
whence  it  might  conveniently  be  conveyed  to  Jerusalem.     The  King  of 
Tyre  also  furnished  artificers  of  every  description  ;  not  only  expert  Ma- 
sons, but  also  men  who  excelled  in  the  working  of  gold,  silver,  and  pre- 
cious stones  ;  and  also  in  dyeing  scarlet,  purple,  and  blue,  in  which  the 
Tyrians  greatly  excelled.     But  the  most  valuable  present  he  made  to 
Solomon  on  the  present  occasion  was,  a  divinely  endowed  architect  and 
artist,  who  was  a  Tyrian  by  birth,  but  the  son  of  a  widow  of  the  tribe 
of  Naphtali.    This  man  was  a  treasure  to  Solomon,  and  he  constituted 
him  Overseer  of  the  work,  and  Grand  Master  over  all  the  lodges  of  work- 
men wheresoever  distributed,  whether  in  the   forest,  the  quarries,  the 
plains  of  Zeredathah,  or  at  Jerusalem. 

13  This  is  a  most  triumphant  argument ;  for  that  which  has  been  hon- 
oured with  the  public  sanction  of  wise  and  virtuous  men  throughout  all 
time,  cannot  have  an  evil  tendency.     In  fact,  a  Masons'  lodge  is  the  very 
seat  of  happiness  and  innocent  enjoyment,  which  is  the  principle  and  enci 
of  all  our  actions  and  passions,  our  pleasures  and  our  pains  ;  the  common 
or  universal  centre  to  which  all  animated  nature  is  hurried  by  a  rapid 
and  irresistible  movement.     Men  are  united  in  society  only  to  procure  it. 
The  arts  and  sciences  have  been  invented  only  to  make  it  perfect.     All 
states  and  professions  are  so  many  channels  in  which  it  is  sought.     The 
great  and  mean,  the  rich  and  poor,  infancy  and  a«v,  passions  and  talents, 
virtues  and  vices,  pleasures  and  toils,  are  all  engaged  in  an  unremitting 
pursuit  of  it.     In  a  word,  from  the  people  that  inhabit  the  most  civilized 
cities,  to  the  savage  that  prowls  in  the  bosom  of  the  wilderness ;  from 
the  throne  of  the  monarch  to  the  hut  of  the  most  abject  peasant,  the 


ON    THE    VALUE    OF    MASONIC    SECRETS.  423 

Whatever  be  your  rank  in  life,  on  close  observation,  you 
will  find  those  in  a  similar  station  who  have  dignified 
themselves,  and  been  useful  to  mankind.  The  widow 
that  threw  in  her  mite  was  the  most  generous  and  com- 
passionate of  all  who  then  entered  the  temple.  Verbal 
love  is  but  painted  fire ;  therefore,  let  His  example,  who 
went  about  doing  good,  be  the  pillar  so  elegantly 
adorned  with  lily-work,  kindly  directing  and  inflaming 
your  humanity  towards  the  Brethren.  Meet  the  very 
lowest  of  them  on  the  level  of  condescension,  nor  ven- 
ture to  despise  the  man  for  whom,  perhaps,  a  Saviour 
died  ;  that  so  you  may  be  able  to  hold  up  your  heads 
when  justice  is  laid  to  the  line,  and  righteousness  to  the 
plummet.  Let  your  pure  benevolence  spread  every 
way,  like  the  more  than  gem-studded  arch  of  heaven, 
expanding  even  over  your  enemies  when  in  distress,  that 
you  may  prove  yourselves  to  be  the  children  of  the  Most 
High,  who  is  benign  to  the  unthankful,  and  to  the  evil. 
Philanthropy  is  not  confined  to  name  or  sect,  to  climate 
or  language.  Like  the  power  of  attraction,  which 
reaches  from  the  largest  to  the  smallest  bodies  in  the 
universe,  it  unites  men  from  the  throne  to  the  cottage. 
Whether  your  lodge  meets  on  the  high  mountains  of 
worldly  grandeur,  and  is  beheld  from  afar,  or  in  the  low- 
est vales  of  obscurity,  and  noticed  but  by  a  few  ;  whe- 
ther under  Adoniram  you  hew  on  the  tops  of  Lebanon, 
or,  with  Aholiab  and  Bezaleel,14  are  in  distinguished 

world  is  in  labour  to  bring  forth  true  peace  and  tranquillity  of  soul.  I 
am  inclined,  however,  to  believe  that  if  it  has  any  existence  upon  this 
earth,  it  is  probably  in  the  person  of  a  true  Christian  Mason.  (Dean 
Kir  wan.) 

14  The  tabernacle  built  by  these  two  worthy  Brothers  who  constructed 
on  the  plan  of  the  larger  buildings  of  Egypt.  u  I  believe  really,"  says 
G-oguet  (vol.  ii.  p.  129),  "that  there  must  have  been  some  relation  be- 
tween the  taste  which  reigned  in  these  edifices  and  the  tabernacle.  It  is 
true,  strictly  speaking,  this  work  ought  not  to  be  looked  upon  as  a  piece 
of  architecture  ;  it  was  only,  to  speak  properly,  a  vast  tent ;  this  is  the 
first  idea  it  offers  to  the  mind  ;  but  by  reflecting  on  it  more  attentively, 
we  shall  perceive  that  the  tabernacle  had  a  great  relation  to  architecture. 
We  ought  to  look  upon  it  as  a  representation  of  the  temples  and  palaces 
of  the  East.  Let  us  recollect  the  form  of  government  of  the  Hebrews. 
The  supreme  Being  was  equally  their  God  and  king.  The  tabernacle 
was  erected  with  a  view  to  answer  that  double  title.  It  served  at  once 
for  the  temple  and  palace.  The  Israelites  went  there  sometimes  to  adore 
the  Almighty  and  sometimes  to  receive  the  orders  of  their  sovereign, 
present  in  a  sensible  manner  in  the  midst  of  Iris  people." 


424  ON    THE    VALUE    OF    MASONIC    SECRETS. 

offices  near  the  sanctum  sanctorum,  or  with  the  sons  of 
Levi  serve  at  the  altar,  O  sit  not  at  a  Brother's  call ;  if 
he  be  in  danger  fly  to  his  relief;  if  he  be  deceived  tell 
him  the  truth  ;  if  he  be  calumniated,  justify  his  character 
— bear  his  burdens — allay  his  sorrows — and  espouse  his 
cause ;  nay,  if  in  many  things  he  hath  erred,  still  recol- 
lect, that  indiscretion  in  him  ought  not  to  destroy 
humanity  in  you.15 

As  the  eastern  magi  opened  their  treasures,  which, 
doubtless,  were  various,  to  the  Redeemer  of  souls,  so 
every  Brother  should  be  given  to  hospitality ;  ready  to 
distribute,  willing  to  communicate,  and  eager  to  employ 
his  gift  or  power,  whatever  it  may  be,  for  the  mutual 
good  of  each  other,  and  the  common  benefit  of  all. 
Owing  to  the  prevalency  of  this  enduring  munificence, 
the  holy  David,  who  collected  so  magnificently  towards 
the  building  of  the  temple,  aided  by  the  spirit  of  inspi- 
ration, informs  us  in  the  book  of  Psalms,  that  the  glo- 
rious head  of  the  church,  and  Grand  Master  in  Israel,  of 
whom  the  whole  family  in  heaven  and  on  earth  is 
called,16  may,  among  other  things,  be  found  out  by  this, 

16  If  the  most  determined  opponent  could  make  up  his  mind  to  devote 
himself  quietly  to  the  study  of  the  true  principles  of  Masonry,  and  if  he 
would  take  the  trouble  to  inquire  into  the  operation  of  these  principles, 
his  objections  would  be  undoubtedly  removed.  When  he  saw  the  cheer- 
ing results  of  Masonic  benevolence,  when  he  saw  the  orphan  clothed,  and 
fed,  and  educated,  when  he  saw  the  distressed  Mason  relieved,  and  the 
aged  provided  for,  conviction  could  not  fail  to  strike  his  senses,  and  he 
would  feel  inclined  to  say — "  Let  me  assist  in  bearing  your  burden  ;  you 
are  fulfilling  the  royal  law  of  Christ ;  and  I  am  now  anxious  to  have  a 
share  in  this  good  work."  Indeed,  nothing  can  be  more  delightful  than 
the  practical  operation  of  Masonry,  in  administering  to  the  wants  of 
others.  In  the  performance  of  these  duties  we  meet  on  the  level ;  we 
lay  aside  all  party  differences,  and  pursue  the  great  work  of  benevolence 
in  peace,  harmony,  and  brotherly  love. 

16  The  divine  personage  here  referred  to  by  David  was  no  other  than 
the  Messiah  or  Christ ;  and  it  is  not  improbable  that  the  expectation 
which  prevailed  over  all  the  East,  that  a  deliverer  should  arise  in  Judea 
and  rule  over  the  whole  world,  was  occasioned  by  this  and  similar  prophe- 
cies in  the  Jewish  writings ;  particularly  the  star  that  was  predicted  by 
Jacob.  This  is  further  illustrated  by  the  fact  that  an  impostor  arose  in 
the  reign  of  Adrian,  who,  taking  advantage  of  this  circumstance,  endeav- 
oured to  convert  the  credulity  of  the  Jews  to  his  own  benefit ;  and  there- 
fore boldly  gave  out  that  he  was  the  Messiah,  and  assumed  the  title  of 
the  Son  of  the  Star,  in  allusion  to  this  latter  prophecy,  that  it  might  bo 
believed  that  he  was  the  star  which  Balaam  saw  afar  off.  And  more  than 
one  of  the  Christian  fathers  affirm,  that  it  was  in  consequence  of  Balaam's 


ON    THE    VALUE    OF    MASONIC    SECRETS. 

that  all  his  garments  smell  of  myrrh,  aloes,  and  cas- 
sia.17 

Diminish  not  the  value  of  your  beneficence  by  the 
harshness  of  the  manner,  but  be  affable,  be  courteous,  be 
kind,  and  so  secret,  lest  you  wound  the  sensibility  of  the 
receiver,  that  on  many  occasions  you  let  not  your  right 
hand  know  what  your  left  hand  doth.  Above  all,  be 
sincere,  and,  however  powerful  the  enticements  to  the 
t  ontrary,  scorn  dissimulation's  winding  path  ;  for  it  inevi- 
tably leads  to  loss  of  character  and  future  ruin.  Joab 
and  Judas  could  give  good  words,  nay,  kiss  when  they 
meant  to  kill.  Equally  treacherous  are  numbers  in  the 
present  age,  who  never  speak  to  you  fairer  than  when 
they  wish  to  undermine  you  ;  or,  when  they  say  that 
they  pray  for  your  success,  would,  nevertheless,  in- 
wardly rejoice  at  your  misfortunes. 

As  light  arid  science  came  from  the  East.,  may  we, 
who  by  reason  of  mental  darkness  were  once  just  in  the 
opposite  extreme,  now  quickened  by  the  Spirit  of  God, 
and  enlightened  in  the  saving  principles  of  true  know- 
ledge, be  enabled  to  move  according  to  the  rules  of 
order,  in  the  nicest  lines  of  symmetry,  back  to  the 
source  of  perfect  light.  What  improvements  our  sci- 
ence received  among  the  magi  of  Persia,  or  the  learned 
among  the  Egyptians,  whether  Pythagoras  brought  it  to 
Greece,18  and  the  silence  imposed  on  his  disciples  was 

prophecies,  which  were  known  and  believed  in  the  East,  that  the  wise 
men  on  the  appearance  of  a  new  star,  concluding  that  this  prince  was 
born,  came  immediately  to  Jerusalem  to  inquire,  where  is  he  who  is  born 
King  of  the  Jews? 

17  The  cassia,  or  rather  the  acacia,  was  consecrated  by  the  aborigines 
of  America  to  the  genius  of  chaste  love.     These  fierce  children  of  the 
prairies,  whom  nothing  can  subdue,  conceive  a  sentiment  full  of  delicacy, 
which  they  are  unable  to  express  by  words,  but  which  they  understand 
by  the  symbol  of  a  blooming  branch  of  acacia.     The  young  savage,  like 
the  civilized  coquet,  understands  the  offering,  and  accepts  the  homage  thus 
delicately  expressed.     The  acacia  has  also  been  made  an  emblem  of  do- 
mestic beauty.     Thus  a  modern  writer  says  : — "  The  acacia  is  found  in 
the  most  retired  places,  and  it  blooms  the  fairest  in  the  closeness  of  its 
own  foliage.     It  loves  the  mossy  rock  and  the  solitary  grove,  but  it  pines 
away  in  the  gay  garden  and  crowded  parterre.     There  can  be  no  fitter 
emblem  of  a  beautiful  woman  nourishing  in  the  innocent  retirement  of 
her  home,  secluded  from  the  vanities  of  crowded  life,  and  adorning  with 
her  bloom  the  abode  of  domestic  affection." 

18  It  was  late  in  life  when  he  retired  finally  into  Greece,  to  plant  there 
his  perfected  system.     lamblichus  says  that  he  spent  twenty-two  years 


426  ON    THE    VALUE    OF    MASONIC    SECRETS. 

analagous  to  our  taciturnity  about  the  mysteries  of  our 
art  to  all  but  the  Kklectoi,  and  how  far  it  was  preserved 
and  studied  by  the  Druids  in  Britain,  with   many  other 
curious  circumstances,  we  shall  leave  for  the  in\e>i 
lion   of  more  sequestered  hours.     IVrhaps  it  employed 
the  solitary  retirement,  in  some  measure,  of  the  .• 
the  most  particular  and  eremital  sect  among  the  Je 
That  some  of  its  parts  may  have  composed  the  abstruse 
and   impenetrable  Sephiroth   is  not  impossible. ia     Thus 
far  we  can  say,  that  if  it  did,  it  would  be  as  rational  an 
interpretation  of  the  ten  circles,  as  any  which  Maimoni- 
des  or  the  other  i-ahalist  ieal  doctors  have  uiven. 

Suflice  it  at  present  to  note,  that  we  are  Free,  because 
no  bondmen  is  permitted  amongst  us;  and  Accepted, 
seeing  we  have  stood  the  test  of  several  probationary 
degrees  with  applause;  emulous  to  be  found  worthy  of 
the  illustrious  badges  worn  by  those  who  hold  the  first 
places  there,  where  no  atheist,  no  libertine,  or  reprobate 
person,  known  to  be  such,  ought  ever  to  gain  admission. 
To  guide  us  by  the  way,  we  have  not  one  star,  but  many. 
Let  the  Bible  be  the  rule  of  our  faith.20  May  we  square 
all  our  actions  by  the  precepts  of  our  Saviour,  and  set  a 
compass  to  our  words,  as  relative  to  others,  especially 
those  whom  we  know  to  be  Brethren. 

in  Egypt,  and  acquired  all  the  learning  of  that  people  ;  that  he  was  car- 
ried from  thence  by  Cambyses,  and  spent  twelve  years  in  Babylon ;  but 
he  did  not  go  into  Italy  till  the  sixty-second  Olympiad  ;  and,  having 
settled  there,  it  was  dignified  by  ihe  name  of  Magna  (Jn 

1!l  The  Sephiroth  were  ten  in  number ;  the  first  seven  of  which  were 
supposed  to  occupy  grades,  like  the  stops  of  a  ladder,  crowned  with  the 
remaining  three,  which  represented  the  three  divin-  hypnstases  of  the 
Godhead.  The  names  of  the  inferior  Sephiroth  were.  Strength,  Mercy, 
Beauty,  Victory,  Glory,  Foundation,  Kingdom.  These  represented  the 
seven  'heavens  of  the  cabalistic  Jews,  which  formed  the  dwelling  of  the 
sacred  Trinity. 

1JO  By  the  doctrines  contained  in  that  holy  book,  as  the  lectures  of  the 
last  century  taught,  we  are  induced  to  believe  in  the  dispensations  of 
Providence,  which  strengthens  our  faith,  and  enables  us  to  ascend  the 
first  step  of  the  theological  ladder.  This  faith  produces  a  hope  that  we 
may  share  in  the  promises  that  are  there  recorded,  which  supports  our 
ascent  to  the  second  step.  But  the  union  of  faith  and  hope  cannot  fail 
to  produce  charity,  which  ejj  tblee  ttu*  Five  and  Accepted  Mason  to  attain 
the  summit  of  the  ladder,  aud  to  enjoy  a  tvianee  inlo  that  ethereal  man- 
sion, which  is  veiled  IV^m  mortal  eye  by  the  starry  firmament,  and  de- 
picted in  a,  Masons' lodge  by  seven  stars ;  without  which  number  of  regular 
Masons,  no  lodge  can  be  perfect,  neither  can  any  person  be  legally  initiated 
therein. 


ON    THE    VALUE    OF    MASONIC    SECRETS.  427 

As  in  our  mundane  system  the  sun  rules  by  day,  and 
the  moon  by  night,  with  an  inferior  lustre,  so  may  we 
fulfil  our  appointed  duties  ;  more  particularly  by  yielding 
a  cheerful  obedience  to  those  who  in  his  providence  the 
Architect  of  the  Universe  hath  set  over  us,  whether  the 
more  subordinate  or  the  supreme. 

Hail,  mystic  art!  thou  source  of  utility,  as  numbers 
have  experienced  ;  since  if  we  were  ever  to  be  cast  on  an 
unknown  shore,  or  obliged  to  travel  through  the  most 
distant  climes,  however  ignorant  of  their  language,  their 
customs,  and  apparently  strange  to  their  inhabitants, 
thou  lendest  thy  unfeigned  votaries  a  secret  key  to  open 
the  rudest  bosoms,  and  to  unlock  the  most  concealed 
hoards  of  niggardly  parsimony. 

Then,  my  much-respected  Brethren,  foot  to  foot  let  us 
stand  on  the  broad  basis  of  rectitude,  inscribed  within  the 
circle  of  harmony,  to  show  that  we  are  ready  to  move 
with  and  for  a  Brother  in  every  just  and  laudable  design. 
On  bended  knees  let  us  join  in  each  act  of  adoration  and 
praise  to  the  Grand  Master  of  angels,  saints,  and  men ; 
humbly  begging,  through  the  merits  of  Christ  Jesus,  that 
his  inexhaustible  goodness  would  be  pleased  to  confer 
what  his  infinite  wisdom  sees  most  conducive  for  the 
essential  and  permanent  felicity  of  ourselves  and  all  our 
genuine  Brethren,  whether  in  the  present  or  future  state 
of  our  existence.  May  we  display  the  reciprocity  of  our 
esteem  in  imitation  of  the  early  Christians,  who  are  said 
to  have  had  but  one  heart ;  warmly  pledging  that,  con- 
sidering the  instability  in  all  the  gifts  of  fortune,  we  are 
resolved,  according  to  our  ability  and  the  necessities  of  a 
Brother,  to  be  equally  ready  liberally  to  give,  or,  if  our 
situation  requires  it,  thankfully  to  receive.21 

31  Every  Brother  will  see  that  the  above  observations  bear  a  direct 
reference  to  the  five  points  of  fellowship  ;  which  were  thus  illustrated  'in 


thereof.  2.  Indolence  shall  not  cause  my  footsteps  to  halt,  nor  wrath  to 
turn  them  aside ;  but,  forgetting  every  selfish  consideration,  I  will  be  ever 
swift  of  foot  to  save,  help,  and  execute  benevolence  to  a  fellow-creature 
in  distress ;  but  more  particularly  to  a  Brother  Mason.  3.  When  I  offer 
up  my  ejaculations  to  Almighty  God,  I  will  remember  my  Brother's  wel- 
fare, even  as  mine  own  ;  for,  as  the  voices  of  babes  and  sucklings  ascend 
to  the  Throne  of  Grace,  so,  most  assuredly,  will  the  breathings  of  a  fer- 
17* 


4:28  <>N    THE    VALUE    OF    MASONIC    8FXJRET8. 

Thus  acting,  no  human  power  can  hurt  you  ;  for  your 
building,  thus  fitly  and  compactly  framed  together,  must 
grow  into  an  holy  temple,  both  in  and  for  the  Lord.  In 
order  to  maintain  unsullied  the  honour  of  the  Craft,  bo 
cautious  whom  ye  admit  to  the  knowledge  of  your  far 
more  exalted  than  Eleusinian  mysteries;22  yet  from  tin; 
worshippers  of  Ceres  be  not  ashamed  to  take  a  lesson  of 
circumspection  and  vigilance.  But  zealous  in  the  dis- 
charge of  all  the  duties  demanded  of  you,  nor  faint 
though  it  may  fall  to  your  lot  to  labour  in  the  plains 
of  Jordan,  in  the  clayey  ground  between  Succoth  and 
Zeredathah. 

Thus  may  your  lodges  appear  beautiful  as  Thirzah, 
comply  as  Jerusalem,  fair  as  the  curtains  of  Solomon, 
and  supported  by  workmen  that  need  not  be  ashamrd. 
May  they  be  taught  and  ruled  by  Masters  who  com- 
prehend the  light  of  truth ;  guarded  by  officers  who 
will  not  remove  the  ancient  landmarks  which  their 
fathers  have  set ;  and  may  the  watchmen  upon  the 
towers  suffer  every  man  to  pass  who  can  give  proofs  of 
his  being  a  good  Mason  and  a  true,  adorning  by  his 
life  and  conversation  the  secret  tenets  of  the  science, 
and,  what  is  still  more,  the  Gospel  of  our  Lord  and 
Saviour  Jesus  Christ,  to  which  word  of  our  salvation, 
unless  we  give  earnest  heed,  and  render  all  tilings  sub- 
vent  heart  ascend  to  the  mansions  of  bliss.  4.  A  Brother's  secrets,  de- 
livered to  me  as  such,  I  will  keep  as  I  would  my  own ;  because,  if  I 
betray  the  trust  which  has  been  reposed  in  me,  I  might  do  him  an  irre- 
parable injury  ;  it  would  be  like  the  villainy  of  an  assassin,  who  lurks  in 
darkness  to  stab  his  adversary  when  unarmed,  and  least  prepared  to 
meet  an  enemy.  5.  A  brother's  character  1  will  supj>ort  in  his  absence 
as  I  would  in  his  presence.  I  will  not  revile  him  myself,  nor  suffer  it  to 
be  done  by  others,  it1  it  is  in  my  power  to  prevent  it.  Thus,  by  the  five 
points  of  fellowship,  we  are  linked  together  in  one  indivisible  chain  of 
sincere  affection,  .brotherly  love,  relief,  and  truth." 

--  Stillingfleet  thinks  that  the  Eleusinian  mysteries  were  derived 
from  the  Pelasgi.  He  says :  "  Without  all  question,  the  Samothracians 
had  their  names  from  thence,  whence  they  derived  their  mysi 
And,  to  this  pnrpose,  it  is  farther  observable, 'that,  as  the  old  Hetruri&na 
were  certainly  a  colony  of  the  Pelasgi  upon  their  removal  out  of  Giver*  •. 
BO  Vossius  observes,  that  the  old  Hetruscan  language  hath  almost  all 
the  sacred  appellations  from  the  Eastern  tongues.  For  which  purpose, 
it  is  further  observable,  which  Grotius  takes  notice  of,  that  the  jus 
pontificum  Romanorum  was  taken,  a  great  part,  from  the  Hetrusci,  and 
the  Hetrurians  had  it  ab  Hebrteis,  out  of  the  eastern  parts."  (Grig. 
Sac.  b.  iii.  c.  4.) 


ON    THE    VALUE    OF   MASONIC    SECRETS.  429 


servient,  we  are  but   deceiving  ourselves,  and    the  truth 
is  not  in  us.23 

Can  I  conclude  more  emphatically  than  in  the  words  of 
the  apostle?  Let  all  bitterness,  and  wrath,  and  anger, 
and  clamour,  and  evil-speaking,  be  put  away  from  you,  with 
all  malice.  And  be  ye  kind  one  to  another,  tenderhearted, 
forgiving  one  another,  even  as  (rod  for  Christ's  sake  hath 
forgiven  you. 

is  At  the  view  of  such  a  blessed  scene  who  would  not  feel  himself  in- 
clined to  exclaim,  like  Balaam  before  the  camp  of  the  Israelites  :  "  How 
goodly  are  thy  tents,  0  Jacob,  and  thy  tabernacles,  O  Israel !"  This  is 
what  Freemasonry,  universally  known  and  practised,  would  produce. 
It  would  have  an  effect  similar  to  that  which  was  actually  produced  by 
Christianity  on  its  earliest  disciples.  They  were  the  friends  of  peace ; 
they  prayed  for  their  persecutors  ;  and  were  as  much  distinguished  by 
their  love  to  each  other,  as  by  the  unequalled  purity  of  their  lives. 
There  were  riches  and  poverty  amongst  them,  and  yet  they  were 
nether  rich  nor  poor.  Brotherly  love  equalized  everything.  They  had 
but  one  will,  and  that  was  the  will  of  God ;  they  had  but  one  interest . 
and  t*  at  was  the  universal  interest  of  the  whole  community. 


POPULAR  WORKS  01  FREEMASONRY 

PUBLISHED  BY  THE 

MASONIC  PUBLISHING  AND  MANUFACTURING  CO. 

432  BROOME  STREET,  N.  Y. 


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GUIDE  TO  THE  ROYAL  ARCH  CHAPTER  ;  a  complete  Monitor 

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THE  MASONIC  HARMONIA  ;  a  Collection  of  Music,  Original 

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and  Dedication  of  New  Lodges,  Installation  of  Grand  and  Subordinate 
Officers,  Laying  Foundation  Stones,  Dedication  of  Masonic  Halls, 
Grand  Visitations,  Burial  Services,  Regulations  for  Processions,  Ma- 
sonic Calendar,  etc.  To  which  are  added  a  RITUAL  for  a  LODGE  OK 
SORROW  and  the  Ceremonies  of  Consecrating  Masonic  Cemeteries ; 
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GEO.  OLIVER,  D.  D. 

MASONIC  INSTITUTES.  By  Various  Author*,  With  an  intro- 
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THE  TRUE  MASONIC   CHART;    or,  Hieroglyphic  Monitor; 

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THE  MYSTIC  TIE  ;  or,  Facts  and  Opinions  illustrative  of  the 
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THE  SYMBOL  OP  GLORY,  showing  the  Object  and  End  of  Free- 
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DIGEST  OP  MASONIC  LAW  ;  being  a  complete  Code  of  Regu- 
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A  MIRROR  TOR  THE  JOHANNITE  MASON.  In  a  series  of  letters 
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JOHN  W.  SIMONS,  P.  G.  M.  Flexible  Cover— full  gilt,  75  cents.  Tuck 
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MANUAL  OF  THE  CHAPTER;    a  Monitor   for  Royal  Arch 

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FREEMASON'S  MONITOR  ;  or,  Illustrations  of  Masonry.  By 
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THE  REVELATIONS  OF  A  SQUARE,  exhibiting  a  graphic  dis- 
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APR20'65-11A 


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D 


i  . 


NOV  2    1972  8  1 
BEG'D  LB  OCT  3  1 72  -11  AM  2  4 


LD  21-100m-9,'48(B399sl6)476 


YB  06530 


